AMC Responds to Federal Passage of Bill C-5: Action for Provinces Can’t Come at the Expense of Treaty Nations

Press Release

June 27, 2025

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) expresses serious concern following the passage of Bill C-5, An Act to Enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act, which was fast-tracked through Parliament and passed on June 26 without the meaningful consultation of First Nations.

While Canada demonstrated its ability to set a timeline, adhere to it, and deliver results for provinces through this legislation, that same urgency and accountability continues to be absent in its Treaty relationship with First Nations. First Nations in Manitoba have clear priorities — from housing and clean water to energy and infrastructure — yet there is no comparable federal plan to fast-track our rights, jurisdiction, and economic development.

“Canada proved it can act quickly when it wants to. Now we need that same level of action and urgency when it comes to our Treaty agreements,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Canada’s relationship with the provinces should not be prioritized over its nation-to-nation commitments with First Nations.”

Bill C-5 grants the federal Cabinet sweeping powers to fast-track projects deemed in the “national interest” — including on lands subject to Treaty and unceded territories — without respecting First Nations’ laws, consent, or jurisdiction. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs sees this as a fundamental violation of the Treaties, the principles of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), and Canada’s own constitutional obligations.

“First Nations are not stakeholders — we are sovereign Nations with inherent rights and sacred agreements with the Crown,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “This legislation shows exactly how structural inequities are embedded into the development of Canada’s legislative and economic policies when First Nations are excluded from the process. The Natural Resources Transfer Act was fast tracked by committee of the whole and looked where that has left us.”

First Nations in Manitoba are leading the way on energy development, regional trade, and long-term economic planning. We are not opposed to growth — but we will not accept growth built on unilateral decisions, compressed timelines, and federal overreach.

“Our ancestors entered into Treaty to ensure peaceful co-existence and mutual benefit,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “Not to be bypassed by decisions made between Canada and the provinces. If Canada can move quickly for provincial interests, it can — and must — do the same for its Treaty partners.”

The AMC remains ready to work in full partnership with Canada to co-develop a true Treaty implementation framework that upholds the spirit and intent of the Treaties and ensures that First Nations are not left behind.  If Canada can move mountains for provinces, it must do the same for its Treaty partners — with honour and political will at its core.

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

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