What the federal election means for Indigenous rights – The Breach

Apr 25 2025

The Conservatives and Liberals both continue colonial approaches to Indigenous rights. But one is clearly worse than the other

With the 2025 federal election underway, most national coverage has focused on U.S. tariffs, economic recovery, national security, and Canada’s role in the global landscape. What has received far less attention on the campaign trail is how each party’s platform promises will impact Indigenous peoples.

Despite much-improved political rhetoric about reconciliation with Indigenous peoples over the past decade, and a far more progressive agenda on some fronts, it is still not a central feature of federal election discourse. Indigenous issues had been reduced to vague references of “partnership” and “inclusion” in aggressive national energy plans, until the release of each party’s platform, just days before the election. Buried deep in each party platform are some serious red flags.

This absence should concern all Canadians. The rights held by Indigenous peoples and their governments are protected in Canada’s constitution. Our rights act as the canary in the coal mine of how well—or not—the federal government values and respects the so-called rule of law.

Read More: https://breachmedia.ca/what-the-federal-election-means-for-indigenous-rights/