Carney’s firm Brookfield has been accused of breaching Indigenous rights in 4 countries
Under Mark Carney’s leadership, global investment firm Brookfield has come under fire for allegedly breaching Indigenous rights or harming the environment in multiple countries. During Carney’s tenure as vice chair and then chair at Brookfield Asset Management from 2020 to 2024, the company faced reports of serious human rights abuses in Brazil, Indigenous resistance in Colombia, a First Nation’s lawsuit in Ontario, and an environmental dispute in Maine.
In Brazil, Brookfield and its subsidiaries were accused by international NGO Global Witness of deforestation and human rights violations, including attempting to evict an Indigenous group and breaching anti-slave labor laws in 2021. In Colombia, the Sogamoso Dam, owned by Brookfield’s Colombian business Isagen, reportedly caused significant damage to ecosystems and local communities, as outlined in a 2023 collaborative report by civil society groups.
Closer to home in Ontario, Mississauga First Nation filed a $100-million lawsuit against Ontario and Brookfield Renewable over four dams on the Mississagi River. The community alleges that the dams have destroyed fishing sites, flooded territory, and displaced people, with little to no benefits-sharing agreement or economic reconciliation from Brookfield.
In Maine, conservation groups sued Brookfield Renewable in 2021 for violating federal law by killing Atlantic salmon from an endangered population. The groups withdrew the claim in 2023 but continue to advocate for the dams’ removal to protect their fishing heritage.
While Brookfield has denied any wrongdoing, the disputes have raised questions about Carney’s track record as a proponent of green investing and renewable energy. The Carney campaign declined to address the reports directly, emphasizing his commitment to advancing reconciliation and upholding Indigenous rights.
Despite these controversies, there have been positive stories as well. Brookfield Properties released “Reconciliation Action Plans” in Australia and pulled out of a controversial gas project amid concerns about damage to Indigenous petroglyphs. Additionally, Evolugen returned land to Michipicoten First Nation in Ontario, and Brookfield Renewable donated land to the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge in New York state.
As Carney continues his campaign for prime minister as Liberal leader, his association with Brookfield’s alleged human rights abuses and environmental harm will be closely scrutinized. It remains to be seen how these controversies will impact his political ambitions and his commitment to serving the people of Canada.
