Tom Mulcair: The federal major projects steamroller could run roughshod over everything from Indigenous rights to health

Summary

• Tom Mulcair, former New Democratic Party leader (2012-2017), serves as a CTV News commentator & columnist.
• Mulcair participated in a C.D. Howe Institute Regent Debate regarding the federal Indigenous consultation framework & its impact on economic prosperity.
• Debate participants included First Nations leaders Tabatha Bull & Crystal Smith, former Alberta environment minister Sonya Savage, & Mulcair.
• All panelists agreed that current consultation processes move at a frustratingly slow pace.
• Mulcair & Savage disagreed on whether strict external timelines should shorten Indigenous consultation periods.
• Mulcair argued that the Crown cannot dictate terms to First Nations, Inuit, & Métis leadership in a successful relationship.
• No participant questioned the constitutional duty to consult, but debates focused on the assessment process itself.
• Mulcair criticized federal legislative proposals like Bill C-39 for implying an obligation of result rather than means in project approvals.
• The Federal Court has repeatedly ruled that superficial consultation is insufficient & warned against loading the dice in favor of rapid development.
• Indigenous communities are increasingly seeking equity shares & revenue guarantees in resource projects to become decision-makers.
• The Pessamit Innu community recently defeated a Hydro Quebec deal due to strict, short timelines that prevented thorough analysis.
• Concerns exist regarding health risks for Cree & Dene communities near oilsands development, including rare cancer occurrences in Fort Chipewyan.
• Canada is a signatory to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, requiring prior informed consent & fair processes.
• Mulcair concluded that balancing rapid development with fair consultation will determine the success or failure of Prime Minister Mark Carney's agenda.