First Nations Leaders Call for Reset on Canada–Manitoba “One Project, One Review” Co-operation Agreement

Press Release

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (April 15, 2026) – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Manitoba Region are raising serious concerns following the signing of the Canada–Manitoba Co-operation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment, part of the federal “One Project, One Review” framework intended to accelerate major project development.

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson and Regional Chief Willie Moore state that the agreement reflects a continuation of a bilateral government-to-government approach that excludes First Nations from decision-making processes that directly impact their lands, waters, and rights.

“First Nations have been clear and consistent: we must be at the table as governments, not consulted after decisions are made,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Our Treaty relationship requires a tripartite, Treaty-centred approach. Anything less falls short of the constitutional and human rights standards that Canada has committed to uphold.”

First Nations leadership emphasized that these concerns have been formally and repeatedly communicated to both the federal and provincial governments.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs wrote directly to Mark Carney and Wab Kinew on December 12, 2025, regarding the draft Canada–Manitoba Co-operation Agreement on Environmental and Impact Assessment. In that correspondence, AMC raised serious concerns about the exclusion of First Nations from the development of the agreement, the reliance on provincial processes that do not uphold Treaty rights, and the risk that Canada would treat those processes as a substitute for its constitutional obligations — including the duty to consult and obtain Free, Prior and Informed Consent.

The letter further called on both governments to pause the finalization of the agreement and to work directly with First Nations to co-develop a Treaty-centred, distinctions-based framework that recognizes First Nations jurisdiction and aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In addition, AMC provided submissions to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources, highlighting that current development frameworks — particularly in critical minerals — continue to exclude First Nations from decision-making and fail to uphold Treaty and inherent rights.

“These are not new concerns,” said Regional Chief Willie Moore. “They have been clearly articulated through formal submissions and direct correspondence. Proceeding without addressing them risks deepening the gap between commitments to reconciliation and the reality experienced by First Nations.”

First Nations leadership also pointed to recent federal commitments that reinforce these concerns. In 2025, Parliament passed the Building Canada Act (Bill C-5), which requires that fast-tracked projects be evaluated on how they advance Indigenous interests and whether consultation was consistent with Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). In 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to the Assembly of First Nations that no major project would be designated as being in the “national interest” without the prior consent of First Nations. That pledge is now binding policy, and Canada cannot claim a project is in the national interest while ignoring the very consent it promised to obtain.

Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation spoke to the implications for First Nations communities: “Our Nations live with the long-term impacts of these decisions. When agreements move forward without our involvement, it places our lands, waters, and way of life at risk. Respecting our jurisdiction and ensuring our consent is not optional — it is fundamental.”

First Nations leaders stressed that while coordination between governments may improve administrative efficiency, it cannot come at the expense of Treaty rights, constitutional obligations, and First Nations jurisdiction.

“Leadership in our Nations should always be included in the conversation—this is how you gain trust. Trust to move forward, whether development proceeds or not, should be respected and recognized. It starts with being included in discussions,” added Regional Chief Moore. “Canada and Manitoba have clear legal obligations under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Those obligations require First Nations to be equal decision-makers.”

AMC and AFN Manitoba Region reiterated that the current bilateral structure risks enabling the substitution of provincial processes and reliance on outdated regulatory frameworks, without the consent or full participation of affected First Nations.

“Reconciliation cannot coexist with unilateral decision-making,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “This agreement, as it stands, places Canada and Manitoba on a path that is inconsistent with their stated commitments. We are calling for an immediate reset — one that brings First Nations to the table as full partners in a tripartite process that honours Treaties, respects our jurisdiction, and ensures our free, prior, and informed consent.”

First Nations leadership remains committed to working collaboratively with both governments to develop a path forward that supports responsible development while upholding the rights, laws, and governance of First Nations.

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

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