Latest news with #MandyGull-Masty
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Prime Minister engages First Nations Rights Holders on the Building Canada Act
GATINEAU, QC, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada's new government is ready to get our country building major projects again – and projects built in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples will be at the forefront of this work. To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, convened the First Nations Major Projects Summit in Gatineau, Québec, to engage First Nations groups on the Building Canada Act and how to most effectively build major projects in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. Over 250 First Nations leaders, regional organizations, and other Rights Holders' representatives attended the meeting in person and virtually to share their insights, ideas, and priorities. The Prime Minister heard from First Nations and discussed how the Building Canada Act was designed to transform the Canadian economy and contribute to greater prosperity for Indigenous communities, through equity and resource management projects. To ensure that these major projects are built in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, the federal government is moving forward with several new measures, including: Standing up an Indigenous Advisory Council that will closely work with the new Major Federal Projects Office. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, as well as Modern Treaty and Self-Government representatives, the Advisory Council will help ensure Indigenous perspectives and priorities are integrated at each stage. Dedicating $40 million in funding for Indigenous participation. From early discussions on which projects to include to ongoing governance and capacity-building, new funding streams will support meaningful participation of Indigenous leadership in nation-building projects. Expanding the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. The government has doubled the program to $10 billion to help unlock capital for Indigenous communities to gain full equity ownership in major nation-building projects. Collaboration will continue with First Nations leadership at all levels through regional dialogue tables. The Prime Minister will soon meet separately with the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee and Métis leadership to further advance these conversations on a distinctions basis. Quotes"It's time to build big projects that will transform and connect our economy. Central to this mission is shared leadership with Indigenous Peoples. Working in partnership, we can seize this opportunity and build lasting prosperity for generations."— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada "This Summit marks a turning point. The One Canadian Economy Act is not just about inclusion – it's about recognizing that prosperity comes when First Nations are full partners in shaping the future. Together, we are building an economy that reflects our shared values, our shared responsibilities, and our shared potential."— The Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services "Today represents a historic opportunity. Together, we're beginning the work of building a better future, one in which Indigenous economies and priorities are truly integrated into the national economy. By listening, engaging, and learning in the spirit of true partnership, we are taking the first steps toward that brighter, more equitable future."— The Hon. Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "The One Canadian Economy Act is designed to build Canada strong – building economic resilience here at home while ensuring that First Nations, and all Canadians, benefit. To achieve our objectives, we will – and must – look to advance the interests of Indigenous communities. That is the only path to shared success. The First Nations Major Projects Summit marks the first step in that process – setting the stage to create lasting economic opportunities for First Nations across Canada."— The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy "It's time to build major energy and resource projects again in Canada to strengthen our economy and secure our sovereignty in the face of threats. A key part of how we will do this successfully is transforming how we think about First Nations partnership. First Nations are not just participants in our economy – they are the original stewards of this land, Rights Holders, governments, and builders. With meaningful collaboration as partners, they enable us to build better. It's clear: if we are serious about retooling our economy, then reconciliation must be front and centre, not just at today's Summit, but in perpetuity."— The Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Quick facts Central to the Building Canada Act is Indigenous consultation, participation, equity, and partnership. The Act requires meaningful consultation on which projects are deemed in the national interest and on the conditions that projects will have to meet. The Government of Canada will advance nation-building projects while respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. The Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation is responsible for managing the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. Loan guarantees are available to support Indigenous equity participation in projects of various sizes, reflecting the diversity of opportunities and economic development priorities in Indigenous communities across Canada. By advancing national interest projects, the Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to support economic prosperity, grounded in respect for constitutionally protected rights and modern treaty obligations. This document is also available at SOURCE Prime Minister's Office View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Prime Minister engages First Nations Rights Holders on the Building Canada Act Français
GATINEAU, QC, /CNW/ - Canada's new government is ready to get our country building major projects again – and projects built in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples will be at the forefront of this work. To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, convened the First Nations Major Projects Summit in Gatineau, Québec, to engage First Nations groups on the Building Canada Act and how to most effectively build major projects in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. Over 250 First Nations leaders, regional organizations, and other Rights Holders' representatives attended the meeting in person and virtually to share their insights, ideas, and priorities. The Prime Minister heard from First Nations and discussed how the Building Canada Act was designed to transform the Canadian economy and contribute to greater prosperity for Indigenous communities, through equity and resource management projects. To ensure that these major projects are built in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, the federal government is moving forward with several new measures, including: Standing up an Indigenous Advisory Council that will closely work with the new Major Federal Projects Office. Comprised of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, as well as Modern Treaty and Self-Government representatives, the Advisory Council will help ensure Indigenous perspectives and priorities are integrated at each stage. Dedicating $40 million in funding for Indigenous participation. From early discussions on which projects to include to ongoing governance and capacity-building, new funding streams will support meaningful participation of Indigenous leadership in nation-building projects. Expanding the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. The government has doubled the program to $10 billion to help unlock capital for Indigenous communities to gain full equity ownership in major nation-building projects. Collaboration will continue with First Nations leadership at all levels through regional dialogue tables. The Prime Minister will soon meet separately with the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee and Métis leadership to further advance these conversations on a distinctions basis. Quotes "It's time to build big projects that will transform and connect our economy. Central to this mission is shared leadership with Indigenous Peoples. Working in partnership, we can seize this opportunity and build lasting prosperity for generations." — The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada "This Summit marks a turning point. The One Canadian Economy Act is not just about inclusion – it's about recognizing that prosperity comes when First Nations are full partners in shaping the future. Together, we are building an economy that reflects our shared values, our shared responsibilities, and our shared potential." — The Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services "Today represents a historic opportunity. Together, we're beginning the work of building a better future, one in which Indigenous economies and priorities are truly integrated into the national economy. By listening, engaging, and learning in the spirit of true partnership, we are taking the first steps toward that brighter, more equitable future." — The Hon. Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations "The One Canadian Economy Act is designed to build Canada strong – building economic resilience here at home while ensuring that First Nations, and all Canadians, benefit. To achieve our objectives, we will – and must – look to advance the interests of Indigenous communities. That is the only path to shared success. The First Nations Major Projects Summit marks the first step in that process – setting the stage to create lasting economic opportunities for First Nations across Canada." — The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy "It's time to build major energy and resource projects again in Canada to strengthen our economy and secure our sovereignty in the face of threats. A key part of how we will do this successfully is transforming how we think about First Nations partnership. First Nations are not just participants in our economy – they are the original stewards of this land, Rights Holders, governments, and builders. With meaningful collaboration as partners, they enable us to build better. It's clear: if we are serious about retooling our economy, then reconciliation must be front and centre, not just at today's Summit, but in perpetuity." — The Hon. , Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Quick facts Central to the Building Canada Act is Indigenous consultation, participation, equity, and partnership. The Act requires meaningful consultation on which projects are deemed in the national interest and on the conditions that projects will have to meet. The Government of Canada will advance nation-building projects while respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. The Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation is responsible for managing the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program. Loan guarantees are available to support Indigenous equity participation in projects of various sizes, reflecting the diversity of opportunities and economic development priorities in Indigenous communities across Canada. By advancing national interest projects, the Government of Canada is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to support economic prosperity, grounded in respect for constitutionally protected rights and modern treaty obligations.
Winnipeg Free Press
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Minister planning to table First Nations water bill despite provincial opposition
OTTAWA – The federal minister of Indigenous services says her government plans to reintroduce legislation to ensure First Nations' rights to clean drinking water — despite calls from Alberta and Ontario for it to scrap the bill altogether. Environment ministers from Alberta and Ontario sent a letter to their federal counterpart calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to abandon legislation they see as undermining competitiveness and delaying project development. One of the bills they singled out is C-61, legislation introduced in the last Parliament that sought to ensure First Nations have clean drinking water and are able to protect fresh water sources on their territories. That bill faced a lengthy committee process but was not passed into law before Parliament was prorogued. In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says everyone in Canada should have access to clean water and the government intends to bring the bill back in the fall. Livi McElrea says provinces and territories share responsibility for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and the federal government is calling on all jurisdictions 'to support this critical legislation.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Minister Mandy Gull-Masty has made a career out of beating the odds
At just 14 years old, an age when most are worried about high school, Minister Mandy Gull-Masty was facing the challenges that come with being a mother. 'I was like every regular teenager, I had my own issues,' Gull-Masty said. 'I didn't always make the best decisions, mine turned into being a teen mom.' But the resourceful and determined teenager from Waswanipi, Quebec, would quickly learn that life is all about making the most out of her circumstances. As the first Indigenous Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, and the first woman to be elected to the office of Grand Chief of Eeyou Istchee before that, Gull-Masty has made a career out of beating the odds. Now she hopes her journey can inspire other Indigenous women to pursue a career in politics. But all of this was all still a lifetime away for the young Gull-Masty. Following high school, Gull-Masty aspired to follow in her mother's footsteps, who was a secretary for the local band council in Waswanipi. 'Seeing my mother in that role, where community members were coming to her, other employees were coming to her. … 'was like, wow, she is really in a role where she's able to help everybody,'' Gull-Masty said. 'So, I want to be like my mom.' As the mother of two young children, Gull-Masty was determined to set a positive example for them by attending university. 'Something about having them in my life made me hyper aware of the responsibility of caring for somebody,' Gull-Masty said. 'And I think that transferred into my career path as well.' It was her mother who first encouraged her to enter Cree politics, remembering how deeply invested she was in the affairs of the band council politics as a child. 'I remember talking to her on the phone and saying, 'Mom, no way,'' Gull-Masty said. 'There's no way that would ever happen. People would never vote for me.' Gull-Masty admits she was hesitant to run at first, worried about her past and that her limited Cree language skills, stemming from a childhood spent in the south, would automatically discredit her in the eyes of many voters. But her mother reminded her that, at least the latter, could be fixed with a little bit of effort. 'The Cree foundation is in your mind,' Gull-Masty recalled her mother telling her. 'You just have to exercise your language ability and it will come back. It will strengthen.' Then word got around in the tight knit community of Waswanipi, and soon after, others in the community began to approach her saying the same thing. 'It snowballed when somebody heard that and came to see me and said, 'you know, Mandy, we think that you could do this and we want to support you,'' Gull Masty said. When Gull-Masty became the first woman to be elected the Grand Chief of Eeyou Istchee, 20 years after the last woman held the position by appointment, she saw it as an opportunity to open political spaces for Indigenous women. Terrellyn Fearn, Project Director at the Turtle Island Institute for Indigenous Science, said that systemic reform and cultural shifts are needed to make room for Indigenous women in leadership. 'Reconciliation in politics is more than just land acknowledgements' Fearn said. 'It means creating space for Indigenous women to lead, to be grounded in feminine thought and contribution.' Three years into her term, Gull-Masty organized a Women's Leadership Conference aimed at helping Indigenous women enter politics. Gull-Masty recalls they had initially hoped for 40 attendees at most, only for more than 300 to show up, from every Indigenous nation in Quebec, including the Inuit. 'We even had to turn people away at the door because the hotel was upset that we were reaching the maximum capacity for the fire codes,' Gull-Masty said. Irene Neeposh, chief of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, was part of a wave of female chiefs across Eeyou Istchee who were inspired to enter politics by Gull-Masty example. 'I think the inspiration that I hope that Indigenous people can find from this, I think I hope it'll be a positive one and one to encourage our I would say duty to spread out,' Neeposh said. 'If we want change, we can't sit on the sidelines.' Before Gull-Masty's election, only two of the 22 council representatives in the Cree nation were women. By the end of her term, over half of the council was made up of women. Now, as the Member of Parliament for Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou, she hopes to expand that example onto a national scale. For Joshua Loon, a Cree father of two young girls, Gull-Masty's leadership brings a sense of pride. 'I want my children to recognize who they are as Cree women,' Loon said. Gull-Masty hopes her appointment sends a message, not just to Cree, but to Indigenous women across the country, that change is possible. 'Statistically I was a teen mom, I should not be where I am,' Gull-Masty said. 'Statistically, as an Indigenous woman in Canada, the level of harm that could happen to me, is pretty high. So, I don't think there are any barriers in life that are too high if you want to achieve something. The strength in you and resilience you have as a woman can take you into any spaces you want to be in it.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Statement by ministers Guilbeault, Alty, Gull-Masty and Chartrand on National Indigenous Peoples Day Français
Ministers , Rebecca Alty, Mandy Gull-Masty and Rebecca Chartrand issue a statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day OTTAWA, ON, ancestral land of the Algonquin People, June 21, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages; the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services; and the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, issued the following statement: "Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we recognize and celebrate the diverse languages, cultures, histories and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada. Coinciding with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, this day holds deep significance for many Indigenous communities and is a moment to honour Indigenous leadership, knowledge, traditions and ways of being. Reconciliation is not just about acknowledging the past; it is about acting in the present and shaping a better future, together. It means renewing the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians, built on respect, truth and partnership. Our government is committed to being a partner to Indigenous peoples and to supporting their full participation in economic opportunities that will benefit current and future generations, as Indigenous equity and leadership will be pivotal in building a strong Canadian economy. As we mark this day, we invite everyone in Canada to take part in Indigenous-led events and celebrations happening from coast to coast to coast. Whether through ceremony, art, language or food, these experiences are an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the lands we live on and the peoples who have called them home since time immemorial. Canada's strength is rooted in the distinct histories and identities of its peoples, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices, rights and worldviews are central to building a stronger, more united Canada—and to shaping our shared future with strength, pride and resilience.
