Background on the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney, as Liberal leader, promised to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP Act) and its associated Action Plan. This commitment built on the existing federal legislation passed in 2021, which requires the Canadian government to align laws with the UN Declaration and develop an action plan in consultation with Indigenous peoples. The promise emphasized advancing reconciliation through tangible steps, including partnerships on economic projects and addressing systemic issues like child welfare.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since assuming office in early 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney has engaged in multiple consultations with Indigenous leaders to advance the UNDRIP Act's implementation. In March 2025, Carney met with leaders of National Indigenous Organizations, sharing a vision for economic development in partnership with Indigenous peoples. Further engagements included discussions with First Nations rights holders in July 2025 and Métis leadership in August 2025, focusing on integrating Indigenous rights into major infrastructure initiatives like the Building Canada Act.

The government established an Indigenous-Led Advisory Committee in March 2025 to guide the Action Plan's advancement. Additionally, Carney pledged during campaign forums to maintain momentum on reconciliation, including reforming the First Nations child welfare system, and reiterated commitments in statements such as the one on National Indigenous History Month in June 2025.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

No new standalone legislation solely dedicated to UNDRIP implementation has been proposed or passed under Carney's government as of August 2025. However, related efforts have been integrated into broader bills. For instance, the Building Canada Act, passed in June 2025, includes provisions for Indigenous consultation and partnership in major projects, aligning with UNDRIP principles. Carney promised consultations post-passage to ensure implementation respects Indigenous rights. The government continues to rely on the 2021 UNDRIP Act framework, with annual progress reports serving as accountability mechanisms rather than new laws.

Progress on Key Points of the Promise

The promise specifically points to implementing the UNDRIP Act and the Action Plan. On the Act's implementation, the fourth annual progress report, tabled in August 2025, details strides in areas like consultation processes and alignment of federal laws, though Indigenous leaders have called for accelerated action. The Action Plan, developed prior to Carney's tenure but advanced under his government, includes measurable goals for reconciliation, with ministries working in cooperation with Indigenous peoples. Engagements on economic projects demonstrate efforts to incorporate free, prior, and informed consent, a core UNDRIP outcome. However, challenges persist, such as walkouts by some First Nations leaders in July 2025 over perceived lack of consultation on the Building Canada Act, indicating uneven progress.

Challenges and Risks

While implementation is in progress, full realization requires sustained consultations, measurable outcomes in law alignment, and addressing criticisms from Indigenous groups. To become kept, the government must complete key Action Plan measures, such as reforming discriminatory systems and ensuring Indigenous veto-like input on projects, by the end of Carney's term. It could be broken if engagements stall, progress reports show regression, or major projects proceed without adequate consent, leading to legal challenges or widespread Indigenous opposition.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.