Overview of the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney committed to developing and supporting, in partnership, the structures that support a nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship to progress on shared priorities. This promise emphasizes collaborative frameworks with Indigenous groups, particularly focusing on Inuit-Crown partnerships, to advance mutual goals such as economic development, sovereignty, and reconciliation.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office following the April 2025 federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney has engaged in several initiatives to advance this promise. On July 24, 2025, Carney met with Inuit leadership through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. This meeting built on the 2017 Inuit Nunangat Declaration, with the government and Inuit leaders committing to three annual meetings to strengthen partnerships and address shared priorities like Arctic sovereignty and economic prosperity.

Earlier, in March 2025, Carney visited Iqaluit, Nunavut, to announce initiatives in partnership with Inuit leaders aimed at building the Nunavut economy and enhancing Canadian security in the Arctic. These efforts include collaborative projects that respect Inuit rights and promote government-to-government dialogue.

Carney has also held summits with First Nations and Métis leaders. For instance, on July 17, 2025, he engaged with First Nations rights holders to discuss major projects, emphasizing collaboration with Indigenous Peoples. A similar meeting with Métis leaders on August 7, 2025, focused on ensuring Indigenous rights are central to national initiatives.

Related Legislation and Proposals

A key piece of legislation tied to this promise is Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, which aims to fast-track major nation-building projects while incorporating Indigenous partnerships. The bill was discussed in multiple summits, including the July 24 ICPC meeting, where Inuit leaders received reassurances that it would not violate modern treaties and would involve full Inuit partnership. Consultations on Bill C-5 have been ongoing, with Carney's government pledging to respect nation-to-nation relationships in its implementation.

On August 29, 2025, Carney launched the Major Projects Office (MPO) to expedite these projects, with a focus on collaboration with Indigenous groups. This office, headquartered in Calgary, is designed to support structures that align with government-to-government frameworks, though some First Nations leaders have expressed concerns about consultation adequacy, leading to walkouts in July 2025 meetings.

Progress on Key Points of the Promise

The promise specifically calls for developing structures in partnership to support nation-to-nation and Inuit-Crown relationships. Progress includes regular ICPC meetings and announcements strengthening Arctic partnerships, which directly address Inuit-Crown elements. For broader nation-to-nation aspects, engagements with First Nations and Métis have advanced discussions on shared priorities like economic independence.

However, challenges remain, such as divisions among First Nations leaders over Bill C-5 consultations, with some viewing the process as disorganized. Métis groups have also boycotted certain summits due to inclusion disputes. These issues highlight that while structures are being supported, full partnership and consensus are still evolving.

Path to Keeping or Breaking the Promise

This aspect of the promise is currently in progress, with ongoing meetings and legislative consultations demonstrating commitment. To become kept, the government must pass and implement Bill C-5 with demonstrable Indigenous input, leading to tangible outcomes like completed joint projects and sustained annual partnerships. It would be at risk of being broken if consultations falter, leading to legal challenges or widespread Indigenous opposition, or if structures fail to produce progress on shared priorities by the end of 2025.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.