Overview of the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney promised to work in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to advance and realize the rights of Indigenous Peoples through a distinctions-based approach. This commitment emphasizes collaborative efforts tailored to the unique needs and rights of each group, focusing on areas such as economic development, reconciliation, and self-determination.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office in spring 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated several engagements with Indigenous leaders. In March 2025, he met with leaders of National Indigenous Organizations to discuss building a strong Canadian economy in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. This was followed by a statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day in June 2025, where Carney reaffirmed the government's commitment to working in full partnership on priorities like health care, housing, education, and economic prosperity.

In July 2025, Carney engaged First Nations rights holders on the Building Canada Act, emphasizing collaboration on major projects. A similar engagement occurred in August 2025 with Métis leadership, convening a summit to discuss infrastructure projects in partnership. Additionally, on August 29, 2025, Carney launched the new Major Projects Office, headquartered in Calgary, with a focus on fast-tracking nation-building projects while highlighting Indigenous collaboration.

Legislation and Policy Developments

The Building Canada Act, also known as Bill C-5, represents a key legislative effort related to this promise. Passed in June 2025, the act aims to fast-track major infrastructure and economic projects to strengthen Canada's economy. The government has positioned it as a tool for partnership, with Carney promising consultations to ensure Indigenous rights are respected. Amendments were made during parliamentary debates to address some concerns, and post-passage meetings were held to discuss implementation.

However, the legislation faced criticism for being rushed through Parliament without adequate prior consultation, leading to a walkout by some First Nations leaders in July 2025. The act incorporates a distinctions-based approach by recognizing the unique rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, but implementation remains ongoing.

Progress on Specific Elements

The promise specifies working in full partnership to advance rights through a distinctions-based approach. Engagements have been distinctions-based, with separate meetings for First Nations and Métis groups, and mentions of Inuit priorities in broader statements. Economic reconciliation has been a focus, tying into Carney's vision of Indigenous-led projects. However, some Indigenous leaders express cautious optimism or dissatisfaction, noting disorganized discussions and fears that fast-tracking could undermine rights without genuine consent.

Advancements include summits and offices designed for collaboration, but full realization of rights—such as self-determination in project approvals—depends on ongoing consultations. If these lead to tangible policy changes and equitable outcomes, the promise could be kept. Conversely, persistent opposition or project approvals overriding Indigenous concerns could result in it being broken.

Challenges and Risks

Despite initial steps, challenges persist. Articles from various outlets highlight Indigenous demands for a meaningful seat at the table, especially amid Carney's push for rapid development. Walkouts and split opinions among leaders indicate that trust-building is incomplete. For the promise to become kept, the government must ensure consultations translate into veto-like input or co-management in projects, fully realizing rights. If future actions prioritize speed over partnership, leading to legal challenges or widespread protests, it risks being broken.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.