Good morning! This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning Indigenous communities, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and their reserves, territories, and treaty rights. Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas related to Indigenous Affairs? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Social Issues and Environment.

Dates: 2025-11-23 to 2025-11-29

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs: Indigenous Policing and Public Safety (INAN): INAN will meet December 1 at 3:30 p.m. to consider drafting instructions for a report on Indigenous policing and public safety. The meeting will be in camera, with committee business on the agenda.
• Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples: Consideration of Draft Agenda: The Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples will meet in camera on December 2 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss future committee business and agenda planning.
• House Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development: Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-26: The Environment and Sustainable Development Committee will meet December 1 at 11:00 a.m. to review Supplementary Estimates (B), 2025-26, with Minister Julie Dabrusin and senior officials from the Department of the Environment and Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

Canadian Federal Government News

Canada Invests $22 Million in Inuit-Led Clean Energy Projects in Nunatsiavut

Minister Rebecca Alty announced nearly $22 million in federal funding to support three Inuit-led clean energy initiatives across Nunatsiavut. The Nain Wind Energy Project will install two wind turbines and battery storage, targeting an annual reduction of over one million litres of diesel fuel consumption. A separate project near Rigolet will continue tidal energy data collection. These projects, part of the Nunatsiavut Government’s Adapt Nunatsiavut climate plan, aim to reduce fossil fuel reliance, enhance energy security, and generate regional employment. Funding is delivered through the Indigenous Climate Leadership Program, reflecting federal priorities to support community-driven solutions in northern and Arctic communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Support for Red River Métis and First Nations Economic Growth in Manitoba

On November 28, the Government of Canada announced over $540,000 in federal investments for three Manitoba projects led by Red River Métis and First Nations. The Manitoba Métis Federation will receive up to $300,000 to train 150 citizens and create two jobs in the mining and critical minerals sector. Mosakahiken Cree Nation will be allocated $141,000 for training and the development of a mineral exploration consultation protocol, expected to create three jobs and maintain two positions. The Thompson Regional Airport Authority will receive $99,000 to expand Area 55’s winter testing capacity for emerging technologies, directly supporting four SMEs. These investments are positioned to build local capacity, support skills development, and diversify northern Manitoba’s economy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation Opens Water Treatment Plant Following $13.6 Million Federal Investment

Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation, Saskatchewan, celebrated the completion of a new water treatment plant, funded by $13.6 million from Indigenous Services Canada. The facility features two raw-water wells, a connecting waterline, and advanced biological filtration with reverse osmosis. The plant is designed to provide secure drinking water and support long-term community health, planning, and economic development. The opening follows the Dakota–Lakota Statement of Recognition and Apology, with Chief Roger Redman and federal officials marking the occasion as integral to infrastructure and wellness priorities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

McDowell Lake First Nation Establishes Mishi Sakahikaniing Reserve

McDowell Lake First Nation, Ontario, marked the creation of the Mishi Sakahikaniing Reserve, securing 4,536 hectares as permanent reserve land through the Additions to Reserve process. Chief Lois James, Ontario Minister Greg Rickford, and federal Minister Mandy Gull-Masty announced the milestone as a step toward cultural revitalization and community self-determination. The reserve’s formal recognition is seen as a product of persistent community leadership and a joint federal-provincial approach.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Inuit Crown Partnership Committee Advances Inuit Nunangat University and Consultation Guidance

On November 25, the Inuit Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) convened in Ottawa, co-chaired by Minister Rebecca Alty and ITK President Natan Obed. Key outcomes included federal support, through Budget 2025, for the creation of Inuit Nunangat University, scheduled to open in 2030. Participants endorsed new guidance for federal justice officials to implement consultation obligations under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The ICPC reviewed health and infrastructure gaps, progress on tuberculosis elimination, and Arctic sovereignty. The meeting confirmed collaboration with the Major Projects Office and outlined future work on energy and transportation infrastructure in Inuit Nunangat.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Parliamentary Committees Examine Indigenous Policing, Public Safety, and Underfunding

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN) held meetings on November 24 and 26 to address Indigenous policing. Sandra DeLaronde (Gi-Ganawenima'Anaanig) and Chief Karen Bell (Garden River First Nation) described challenges with underfunding, recruitment, and border security. The federal government committed $1.3 million for an Indigenous-led policing pilot in Manitoba, but witnesses and the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer identified funding gaps and called for longer-term, stable investment. Chief Michael Yellowback (Manitoba) advocated for legislative recognition of First Nations policing as essential and for alignment with UNDRIP. The committee is tasked with further analysis and recommendations regarding funding cycles and legislative reform.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca, parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Debates Bill S-2 Amendments to Indian Act and Housing, Economic Policy Issues

The Senate sitting on November 27 included debate on Bill S-2, with Senators discussing enfranchisement and discrimination issues within the Indian Act. Senator Mary Jane McCallum raised questions about the consultation process for Bill S-2, while Senator Pierre Moreau defended the government’s position. Broader legislative matters included amendments to Bill C-15 on budget provisions, housing initiatives, and economic policies. Senator Yuen Pau Woo inquired about Indigenous consultation in a recent MoU with Alberta. The Senate also forwarded Bill S-3, which aims to modernize Canada’s trade measurement system, to committee for further examination.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee Reviews Food Security Initiatives Impacting Indigenous and Northern Communities

On November 25, the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry reviewed the role of the agri-food sector in food security. Sophie Beecher (AAFC) presented on programs supporting Indigenous and northern communities, including the Local Food Infrastructure Fund and the National School Food Program. Jason Baillargeon addressed engagement with Indigenous communities and efforts to improve food security data. Panelists discussed the importance of regulatory modernization, domestic food processing, and infrastructure improvements for remote areas. The committee heard calls for increased labor stability and investment in local supply chains.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Fisheries and Oceans Committee Examines Systemic Discrimination in Enforcement and Section 35 Rights

On November 27, the House Committee on Fisheries and Oceans discussed prosecutorial challenges in First Nations communities. Shannon O’Connor (Public Prosecution Service of Canada) addressed the need to consider Section 35 rights and systemic discrimination when pursuing charges.

Sources: parlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee on Social Affairs Reviews National Strategy for Children and Youth

On November 26, the Senate Committee on Social Affairs considered Bill S-212, which aims to establish a national strategy for children and youth. Witnesses from Kids Help Phone, the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates, and the Assembly of Seven Generations stressed the need for mental health services, youth participation, and strategies grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and UNDRIP.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal Report Urges Gender-Responsive Housing Policy with Focus on Indigenous Peoples

A report from the Neha review panel, released November 25, calls for urgent government action to address housing inequities affecting women, Two Spirit, Trans, gender-diverse, and Indigenous people. The panel, established under the National Housing Strategy Act, identified ongoing failures to deliver inclusive, rights-based housing despite recent federal commitments. The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure is legislatively required to respond within 120 days and table the response in Parliament.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Ontario and Marten Falls First Nation Sign Agreement for All-Season Access Road

Ontario and Marten Falls First Nation signed a Community Partnership Agreement to develop the Marten Falls Community Access Road, with up to $39.5 million in provincial funding for infrastructure and economic supports. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026, pending approvals.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba and Canada Invest $12.5 Million to Address Gender-Based Violence

The governments of Manitoba and Canada announced $12.5 million to support 32 initiatives under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, including Indigenous-led approaches and programs for rural and northern communities.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Ontario Funds $2 Million Indigenous Community Centre in Thunder Bay

The Ontario government is investing $2 million via the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to support the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre’s renovation and expansion, increasing access to community services for Indigenous residents.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Human Rights Week to Feature Programs on Indigenous and Equity Issues

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission will host a week-long series of events from December 3-10, including discussions on food sovereignty, anti-ableism, and gender-based violence, with programming focused on diverse communities including Indigenous Peoples.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

New Brunswick Establishes Advisory Council on Children and Youth in Care

Social Development Minister Cindy Miles announced the creation of a minister’s advisory council for children and youth in care, with representation from Indigenous communities and stakeholders, to advise on implementation of the Child and Youth Well-Being Act.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

Government Consultations

Great Slave Lake Integrated Fisheries Management Plan Consultation Opens

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has launched consultations with commercial fishers on the development of an Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for Great Slave Lake, with in-person townhalls beginning November 25, 2025.

Sources: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Millions in funding for First Nations and Inuit policing left unspent, says budget watchdog: The CBC reports on unspent federal allocations for Indigenous policing.
• Indigenous agriculture successes shared at Agribition: CTV covers achievements of Indigenous-led agriculture initiatives showcased at a national event.
• $45M fund unveiled to stimulate growth and opportunity in Indigenous communities: CBC highlights a new investment fund aimed at supporting economic development in Quebec’s Indigenous communities.
• Coastal First Nations in B.C. say they’re prepared to challenge pipeline projects in court: The Globe and Mail details legal strategies of Coastal First Nations regarding resource projects.
• Indigenous businesses deserve to be at the table in Buy Ontario Act, say advocates: CBC examines calls for greater Indigenous inclusion in provincial procurement legislation.
• New Indigenous court planned in Fort St. John, B.C.: CBC reports on plans for an Indigenous court to serve communities in northeastern B.C.
• 16 Days of Activism 2025: Moving from Awareness to Accountability to End Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People: The Toronto Star discusses advocacy efforts and accountability measures.
• Opinion: A pipeline is just the beginning: More threats coming for Indigenous rights: The Globe and Mail opinion piece examines broader implications for Indigenous rights.
• Indigenous-led economic development highlighted at Agribition and beyond: CTV features Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture.
• CBC: Métis cultural revitalization through animation: CBC profiles a Métis filmmaker exploring identity through film.

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