Chiefs vote down pitch to include First Nations infrastructure in major projects push

First Nations chiefs today voted down a resolution that would have called on Ottawa to include First Nations infrastructure ventures in its national push to fast-track major projects.

The resolution, which also would have allowed the Assembly of First Nations to intervene in lawsuits against the federal government’s major projects legislation, failed to obtain the required 60 per cent support at the Assembly of First Nations annual general meeting in Winnipeg.

Regina Crowchild of Tsuut’ina First Nation says she voted against the resolution because there’s no guarantee Canada will follow through on its commitment to consult affected communities when it decides which projects to approve.

Other chiefs from Alberta say the resolution would have amounted to an endorsement of the federal major projects legislation and could have put their rights at risk.

The legislation allows the federal government to fast-track major projects it considers to be in the national interest.

First Nations say they were not properly consulted when the legislation was drafted and have warned governments could face legal action if they’re not properly consulted on project approvals.