Guest commentary: Premiers meeting chance to ensure Indigenous involvement in national projects – IRN

June 04, 2025

Prime Minister Carney met with provincial and territorial premiers to discuss reducing internal trade barriers and building major national projects, including mining operations. The meeting addressed the ongoing threats posed by U.S. tariffs.

The federal government briefed the premiers on a new law that aims to expedite project approvals deemed in the national interest. Ottawa wants to ensure project approvals happen within a two-year timeframe. The Major Federal Projects Office will oversee nationally significant projects as a single point of contact for private companies, provinces and territories, and Indigenous communities.

Governments must understand that expedited timelines alone cannot ensure project success. Consent from Indigenous parties plays an essential role.