Carney talking major projects with Inuit leaders in Inuvik

By Canadian Press on July 24, 2025.

INUVIK — Prime Minister Mark Carney is sitting down with Inuit leaders Thursday to discuss his government’s controversial major projects legislation, and those leaders are saying they have a lot to work through with the federal government.

The meeting of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee is being co-hosted by Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, in Inuvik, N.W.T.

Obed has said Inuit have many questions about Bill C-5 and are hoping the meetings clarify the role they’ll play in Carney’s plans for a single Canadian economy.

In his opening remarks Thursday, Obed said the fact that the meeting was held so soon after the April election gives him the sense that the prime minister is willing to work with Inuit.

“We have a lot of issues that we need to work through,” he said. “There are actually 14 priority areas within the ICPC structure and 14 associated work plans. We look forward to getting back to work on some of those areas as well.”

The recently passed One Canadian Economy Act gives Ottawa the power to fast-track projects it considers to be in the national interest by sidestepping environmental protections and other legislation.

Indigenous leaders have accused the federal government of failing to consult with them adequately when the legislation was being drafted and amended.

Carney has promised to hold talks with First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders to get input on how projects can proceed.

After Carney met with First Nations leaders in Ottawa last week, some chiefs said they were left with more questions than answers and no clear idea of how the government plans to implement its agenda.

In his remarks Thursday, Carney said there’s much work to be done on closing infrastructure gaps and improving social services in the region and warned that the Arctic’s security is under threat.

He also insisted that Bill C-5 “fully respects” treaty rights.

“It fully respects treaty-based environmental assessment processes,” said Carney. “In fact, those will be essential for anything that we move forward.”

Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty said on social media that the meeting is meant to serve as a forum for discussing how to move projects forward in a mutually beneficial manner while respecting Inuit sovereignty rights.

— With files from Alessia Passafiume in Ottawa.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2025.

Aaron Sousa, The Canadian Press

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