Liberal Leader Mark Carney Commits to Reconciliation at AFN Election Forum

Liberal Leader Mark Carney pledged to keep up the “momentum” on reconciliation at a virtual election forum with the Assembly of First Nations on Friday. The AFN, a national advocacy organization for chiefs, is hosting virtual forums with party leaders ahead of the April 28 general election. Green Party Co-Leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault appeared in a session on April 14, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also addressed the forum earlier this week.

Carney opened Friday’s forum by emphasizing his commitment to reconciliation and acknowledging that there is still much work to be done on key issues such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) Act, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.

UNDRIP is a human rights instrument that recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples to give or withhold consent for projects that impact them. The Liberals have taken steps to harmonize federal laws with UNDRIP, while the Conservatives have opposed this policy. Carney reaffirmed his commitment to the implementation of UNDRIP at the federal level, stating, “We do respect provincial competencies, but with the discharge of our federal responsibilities, the commitment of my government is fundamental and unwavering in its implementation.”

Carney also addressed the issue of clean water on First Nations reserves, promising to reintroduce Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act, and explore the possibility of a “First Nations Water Commission” model to improve infrastructure maintenance and development. The Liberal Party’s platform includes a focus on collaborating with all levels of government and Indigenous Peoples on critical infrastructure projects.

Carney highlighted the economic impact of closing the infrastructure gap between First Nations communities and the rest of Canada, stating that it would surpass the negative effects of Trump’s tariffs. He also mentioned plans to double the Indigenous Loan Program into a $10 billion program to support First Nations in financing ownership stakes in projects.

When asked about First Nations people unsure about their Jay Treaty rights to free passage and trade with the United States, Carney assured that any partnerships with the US would not affect those rights. He also expressed support for transitioning policing services in First Nation communities to be self-administered, emphasizing the importance of empowering communities to oversee essential services.

Election day is fast approaching on April 28, and Carney’s commitments to reconciliation and Indigenous rights will be crucial factors for voters to consider.