News Release
July 18, 2025

After Summit, UBCIC Gravely Concerned with Canada’s Shift Away from Consent and Environmental Protections

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – July 18, 2025) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) participated in this week’s Canada- First Nations Summit hosted by the federal government on the so-called One Canada Economy Act (Bill C-5) on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg people. While government leaders spoke of collaboration and Indigenous partnership, the voices of Chiefs across the room made it clear: First Nations continue to be excluded from the decision-making processes that affect their lands, rights, and resources.

UBCIC stands in continued opposition to Bill C-5, now passed as the Building Canada Act, which grants the federal Cabinet sweeping powers to fast-track major development projects deemed to be in the "national interest" without clear definitions, meaningful consultation, or the requirement of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). Despite repeated references to UNDRIP and Section 35 of the Constitution, the legislation as it stands undermines both.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “The sole purpose of Prime Minister Mark Carney's First Nations Summit, was to serve notice on Canada's First Nations that Bill C-5 is now the law of the land. Further, First Nations are now expected to fully accept and accommodate that reality. The Prime Minister is signaling that Canada is wide open for business. Get on board or get out of the way. Ironically, he has indicated his willingness to talk to First Nations on how to do that!”

Chiefs from across Turtle Island shared grave concerns about the ongoing erosion of Indigenous jurisdiction and environmental protections. Many emphasized that consultation without consent is not reconciliation, and expressed frustration with being asked for input only after decisions have already been made and development is underway. This reactive approach, rather than true partnership, undermines trust and fails to uphold Indigenous rights.

“The Summit did not resolve the serious concerns we’ve raised, it reinforced them,” said Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice-President. “Canada cannot build economic recovery on the backs of Indigenous Nations without our consent, our participation, and our laws being respected. This legislation signals a dangerous shift away from rights recognition and environmental accountability at a time when both are most needed. Both the Province of B.C. and Canada have now broken their UN Declaration Laws. We will not be legislated to; we will uphold our Title and Rights recognized under section 35 of the Constitution. We are the First Peoples of the Land; we are not Canada’s Indians.”

While UBCIC appreciates the efforts of those First Nations leaders who brought their truths to the floor of the Summit, we remain clear: economic growth cannot come at the expense of First Nations rights and environmental protection. If reconciliation is to be more than rhetoric, Canada must do more than listen, it must change course.

UBCIC fully supports the attached statement of unity from Stó꞉lō Chair Tyrone McNeil. Further UBCIC echoes the urgent calls made at the Summit:

• For Canada to revisit and amend Bill C-5 to ensure that rights holders, not advisory bodies or federal departments, are the ones engaged from the outset.
• For the government to abandon its centralized, streamlined permitting regime that risks sidelining Indigenous laws and environmental safeguards.
• For a co-developed Section 35 Rights Framework that defines the Crown’s obligations and gives legal weight to consent, not just consultation.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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