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: 2025-12-07 to 2025-12-13

📋 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

• Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples – Review of Amendments to the Naskapi and Cree-Naskapi Commission Act: Meeting No. 18 (Dec 10): Chaired by Senator Michèle Audette; review of Bill C-15 (Division 35), testimony from Crown-Indigenous Relations officials and discussions with Senators Prosper, Francis, Clement, and McCallum on police jurisdiction and governance.
• Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology – National Strategy for Indigenous Youth and Bill S-212: Meeting No. 20 (Dec 10): Witnesses included Gabrielle Fayant (Assembly of Seven Generations), Samantha Jack (National Association of Friendship Centres), and others. Topics included the need for an Indigenous youth strategy and amendments to child poverty legislation.
• Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs – Consideration of Bill S-205 on Corrections and Conditional Release: Meeting No. 21 (Dec 11): Panelists included Savanna McGregor (Assembly of First Nations), Marlene Orr (National Indigenous Healing Lodge Coalition), and Pamela Palmater (Toronto Metropolitan University). Discussion centered on segregation limits, healing lodges, and community-based alternatives.
• Senate Committee on Transport and Communications – Bill C-15 and the High-Speed Rail Network Act: Meeting No. 16 (Dec 9) and No. 17 (Dec 10): Witnesses from VIA Rail subsidiary Alto, Canada Parks and Wilderness Society, Assembly of First Nations, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and others discussed project impacts on lands, expropriation, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory approaches.
• Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources – Review of Equivalency Agreements under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act: Meeting No. 17 (Dec 9): Professor Mark Winfield (York University) provided views on impacts of equivalency agreements, national standards, and implications for Indigenous law and environmental oversight.

Canadian Federal Government News

Mi’gmaq-Government of Canada Rights Implementation Agreement Signed for Parks Canada Sites in New Brunswick

Eight Mi’gmaq First Nations, represented by Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc. (MTI) and Kopit Lodge, and Parks Canada have signed a Rights Implementation Agreement impacting national parks and historic sites in New Brunswick. The new framework establishes shared governance over Parks Canada-administered areas, including Kouchibouguac and Fundy National Parks. According to the announcement, the Agreement formalizes collaboration on stewardship, conservation, safety, economic development, and protection of Mi’gmaq heritage and language. Joint decision-making will guide measures on harvesting flora and fauna, restoration activities, and management of cultural sites. This Agreement is recorded traditionally as a Wampum Belt, scheduled for a future ceremony.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and Canada Establish Co-management Approach for Parks Canada Sites

Parks Canada and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia have formalized the Toqi'maliaptmu'k Arrangement, described as 'we will look after it together.' Leaders including Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq Chief Sidney Peters, Glooscap First Nation, and Chief Leroy Denny, Eskasoni First Nation, signed the Arrangement alongside federal ministers. The framework sets protocols for shared stewardship and resource management at Parks Canada-administered sites in Nova Scotia. Decision-making processes will use respective Mi’kmaq and Parks Canada protocols, setting a basis for collaboration grounded in treaty relationships and Mi’kmaq values.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Considers Amendments to the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act in Bill C-15

The Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee reviewed Bill C-15, which proposes modifications to the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act (FNGSTA). Department of Finance officials described a switch to ministerial orders—rather than Governor-in-Council approval—for Indigenous governments levying a value-added tax, aimed at simplifying participation. Consultation has included approximately 40 First Nations, with mechanisms such as Band Council Resolutions used for adoption. Chief R. Donald Maracle of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Council expressed concern about limitations on fiscal autonomy and recommended consideration of revenue-sharing agreements. The committee recorded ongoing dialogue over coverage, product scope, and the frameworks supporting Indigenous economic self-determination.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal Government Announces Emergency Assistance for Inuit Community in Nunavut

Public Safety Minister Eleanor Olszewski has approved federal emergency assistance for an Inuit community in Nunavut. Further details on the scope of assistance or specific community were not released in the initial announcement.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Expands Marine Training Opportunities in the North

A federal contribution of over $930,000 has been allocated to the Western Arctic Marine Training Centre to expand Transport Canada-certified course availability. Announced by Minister Rebecca Alty (Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency), the funding will support simulator purchases for certification pathways, reducing the need for costly travel and increasing access—of particular note for Indigenous residents seeking maritime careers in northern Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Invests in Kus-kus-sum Estuary Restoration in the Comox Valley

A $1 million federally funded project will restore 8.3 acres in the K'ómoks (Comox) estuary on Vancouver Island, once used for industrial purposes. Activities will reconnect degraded tidal marsh and riparian forest to support five Pacific salmon species and restore cultural use opportunities for K'ómoks First Nation members.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian Provincial Government News

Manitoba Announces Crown-Indigenous Corporation for Churchill Plus Project

The Manitoba government will establish a Crown–Indigenous Corporation to lead the Churchill Plus trade corridor project, with new legislation planned for March 2026. The arrangement, announced by Premier Wab Kinew, involves First Nations and Manitoba Métis Federation participation in decision-making and consultation processes.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Call for Submissions on Future of Quebec’s Indigenous Initiatives Fund

The Secrétariat aux relations avec les Premières Nations et les Inuit seeks input on developing a potential new financial assistance program, following the scheduled end of the Indigenous Initiatives Fund IV program in March 2027.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission Awards Recognize Mi’kmaq Rights Leadership

Sherry Pictou of Bear River First Nation received the Wel-lukwen Award from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission for advancing Mi'kmaq rights and governance. The ceremony was part of the province's Human Rights Day observance.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

New Brunswick Auditor General Finds Limited Progress on MMIWG Action Plan

New Brunswick’s Auditor General reported that no more than 10% of the Weaving Our Voices Together plan, the province’s response to MMIWG, had been completed as of the audit. Gaps in governance and monitoring were noted in the report on the Women’s Equality branch.

Sources: www2.gnb.ca

Alberta Government Releases Updated Land Reclamation Guidelines

Alberta released new guidance for land reclamation to clarify roles for industry, landowners, and Indigenous communities. The approach includes criteria for both small- and large-scale projects, community input on outcomes, and monitoring and certification measures.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Solicits Feedback on Indigenous Engagement for Regulated Projects

The CNSC has issued a draft regulatory document (REGDOC-3.2.2) outlining expectations for licensees to engage Indigenous communities as part of its duty to consult. The consultation is open through March 9, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Inside the Ring of Fire: A tale of two First Nations and a road that could change everything: Examines competing First Nations perspectives on the Ring of Fire access road project.
• Understanding the return of Indigenous artifacts from the Vatican: Beyond the ‘gift’ narrative: An analysis of cultural and legal context surrounding the return of Indigenous artifacts.
• New Crown corporation will ensure Indigenous involvement from start of major projects: Kinew: Manitoba’s approach to embedding Indigenous consultation at the project planning stage.
• What’s next for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada?: Exploration of opportunities and challenges facing Indigenous entrepreneurship.
• Real Canadians: Amber Berard-Althouse is a self-made success in Indigenous tourism: Spotlight on the growth of Indigenous-led tourism initiatives.
• Opinion: Closing the Indigenous housing gap will require homes that are more than just shelter: Views on what is needed to address disparities in Indigenous housing.
• Alberta lawyers must take Indigenous education course tied to TRC. New legislation could change that: Report on potential legislative changes affecting Truth and Reconciliation training for Alberta lawyers.

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