AFN chief warns Carney against ‘abusing’ majority to pass major projects bill

OTTAWA — The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is warning Prime Minister Mark Carney against “abusing” his majority government powers to pass his new major projects bill, which she says could affect First Nations rights.

The Building Canada Strong Act shifts the responsibility for reviewing many big projects, such as pipelines and power transmission lines, from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to the Canada Energy Regulator.

It also proposes changes to the Canada Labour Code.

Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says Carney’s government risks dishonouring the Crown if it limits debate and consultations on the bill, as it did when it passed its major projects legislation in 2025.