Background on the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney, as the Liberal Party leader, promised to work in partnership with Indigenous communities on the implementation of treaties, land claims, and self-government agreements. This commitment was part of a broader platform emphasizing reconciliation, economic sovereignty, and addressing historical injustices amid external pressures like U.S. trade tensions. The promise specifically highlighted collaborative efforts to advance these agreements, ensuring Indigenous voices are central to decision-making processes.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office in March 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney has initiated some steps toward fulfilling this promise. In March 2025, Carney visited Iqaluit, Nunavut, to announce initiatives in partnership with Inuit leaders aimed at building the Nunavut economy and strengthening Canadian security and sovereignty in the Arctic. This included commitments to co-develop economic projects that align with self-government priorities, demonstrating an early effort to implement self-government agreements in the region.

Additionally, the government has referenced ongoing work on land claims through official statements, emphasizing partnerships in northern development. However, progress has been uneven, with critics pointing to insufficient consultation in other areas.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

No major new legislation directly tied to this promise has been passed as of August 2025. The Building Canada Act, introduced in mid-2025, aimed to bolster economic independence from the U.S. but faced backlash for lacking adequate Indigenous consultation. In July 2025, First Nations leaders walked out of a meeting with Carney over concerns that the act was being pushed through without proper input, potentially undermining treaty and land claim implementations. This incident highlights a gap in partnership, though the government has since pledged to amend the consultation process.

Existing frameworks, such as those under the previous administration, continue to guide implementations, but no new bills specifically advancing treaties or self-government have been proposed under Carney.

Progress on Specific Points

On treaties: The government has engaged in discussions with some Indigenous groups, but no new treaty implementations have been finalized. Efforts remain in progress, with talks ongoing but slowed by broader economic priorities.

On land claims: Partnerships in the Arctic show some advancement, including resource-sharing agreements, but southern land claims have seen limited action, risking stagnation.

On self-government agreements: The Nunavut initiatives represent a positive step, but the walkout over the Building Canada Act indicates challenges in maintaining consistent partnerships, putting this aspect at risk of being broken if consultations do not improve.

Challenges and Path Forward

If in progress, the promise could become kept through enhanced consultations, passage of supportive legislation, and tangible advancements in at least 50% of pending agreements by 2026. It would be broken if further walkouts occur or if no new partnerships are formed by the end of 2025, exacerbating distrust.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.