CONFEDERACY OF TREATY NO. 6 FIRST NATIONS CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF BILL C-39

Confederacy joins First Nations across Canada condemning legislation

 October 12, 2026 (Treaty No. 6 Territory) - The Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations

stands with First Nations across Canada in condemning Bill C-39 and calling for its

withdrawal. The speed and force with which this broad legislation is being pushed through

severely limits discussion of its potential dangers and further neglects the Crown's duty to

consult. The Bill favours investors, shareholders, stakeholders and industry at the expense of rights holders — the First Peoples of these Lands.

The assurance that the duty to consult will not change is not enough. Canada is using the

political momentum of a crisis in international trade to ultra fast-track legislation with many

unexamined consequences for First Nations. As rights holders, First Nations are essential to

Canada's economic future. Treaty No. 6 Nations are not opposed to development. However, it cannot come at the cost of Treaty Rights, protection of our lands and waters and our responsibilities to future generations. Accelerating an approval process that is already deeply flawed cannot improve it.

As well as calling for the withdrawal of Bill C-39, we continue to call on the federal

government to:

• Recognize First Nations-led environmental and cultural assessment with equal authority

in decision-making.

• Build free, prior and informed consent into decisions as a requirement.

• Unless co-developed with First Nations, halt any legislative or regulatory reform that

weakens federal oversight, undermines Treaty rights, or reduces meaningful opportunities

for consultation and consent.

Bill C-39 is guaranteed to accelerate harm already done by the carelessness and lack of

consultation in its development. The use of force being used in its passage and the severely

limited role of First Nations in creating and realizing this plan for building Canada multiplies

that harm.

Large infrastructure projects in Canada could move forward faster and more smoothly

supported by truly respectful and reciprocal relationships with First Peoples. Any legislation

that treats First Nations as obstacles to progress repeats Canada's colonial past, abandons

the promise of Truth and Reconciliation and violates our Treaty, inherent and human rights.

Treaty is forever.

Grand Chief Joey Pete

Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations