This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning Indigenous communities, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, reserve lands, traditional territories, treaty rights and implementations, self-determination, truth and reconciliation, impact benefit agreements and boil water advisories on reserves. Once a week, 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. Also consider subscribing to our Indigenous Affairs - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

Dates: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House Public Accounts Committee to Review Implementation of Programs for First Nations: On April 27, the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee will examine the follow-up on Programs for First Nations, as reported in the 2025 Fall Reports of the Auditor General of Canada. Witnesses include senior officials from Indigenous Services Canada and the Office of the Auditor General.
• Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee to Assess Cannabis Act Impacts: The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples will meet April 28 to review the government’s response to the interim report on the Cannabis Act’s effects on Indigenous communities, with testimony from officials in Finance, CRA, RCMP, Public Safety, and Health Canada.
• Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee to Continue Review of Cannabis Act Effects: On April 29, the Senate committee continues its review of the Cannabis Act’s implementation among Indigenous Peoples. Scheduled participants include representatives from JFK Law LLP, Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, and health sector leaders.
• Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee to Examine Bill C-14 on Youth Criminal Justice: The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs meets April 30 to study Bill C-14 on amendments to the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, and National Defence Act, with witnesses including Nunavut Legal Aid and provincial justice representatives.
• Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs to Hear Testimony on Veterans' Homelessness: April 29 will see the Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs discuss veterans' homelessness with witnesses from Niginan Housing Ventures and the Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command.

Federal Government News

Government Announces Delivery Plan for Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing

On April 24, the Government of Canada detailed its updated approach to distribute the $4-billion Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. The strategy sets aside close to $1.7 billion for Build Canada Homes, targeting housing providers serving Indigenous populations in urban, rural, and northern communities. Nearly $2 billion will be allocated to distinctions-based agreements with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis organizations—this includes $1.2 billion under existing bilateral agreements and a $780 million enhancement in new funding. Up to $300 million will remain available through Indigenous Services Canada to address urgent housing priorities. The approach offers a combination of Indigenous-led funding agreements and open, project-based funding streams. The Ministers of Housing and Crown-Indigenous Relations confirmed these funds are intended to proceed in collaboration with Indigenous partners as the delivery process moves forward countrywide.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson Outlines Natural Resource Projects and Indigenous Participation, Announces Sunrise Expansion Pipeline

In a keynote address to the Empire Club of Canada on April 24, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson reviewed a year of federal efforts in nation-building and natural resource development. Key institutional changes include the formation of the Major Projects Office and agreements with provinces, notably the Canada-Alberta MOU. Noteworthy project approvals since April 2025 have included Ksi Lisims LNG, a $30-billion Indigenous-led initiative, and two new uranium mines. Hodgson announced approval of the Sunrise Expansion pipeline in BC, jointly owned by Enbridge and 38 First Nations, scheduled for construction this summer. The project will increase BC’s natural gas transportation capacity by up to 300 million cubic feet daily and is projected to add $3 billion to Canada’s GDP as well as generate over $700 million in tax revenue. Enbridge has reported more than $52 million of direct spending with Indigenous businesses for this project. Upcoming goals include advancing a national Forest Strategy, critical mineral deals, and expanded Indigenous participation in resource development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Alty Participates in UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Minister Rebecca Alty, joined by Governor General Mary Simon, Senators, and Elders, represented Canada at the 25th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The session covered international practices in Indigenous-led climate adaptation and health. Minister Alty referenced Canada’s $3.8 billion A Force of Nature strategy, which allocates substantial support to Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. At a plenary event, participants discussed the role of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in improving Indigenous health outcomes. Canada also led discussions on global best practices in climate leadership and reconciliation, including bilateral meetings with officials from Ecuador, Norway, and Australia. As Canada continues implementation of the UNDRIP Act, these deliberations shape ongoing policy engagement both domestically and internationally.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Funding Targets Indigenous-Driven Economic Development and Arctic Security in Nunavut

On April 22, the federal government announced over $13 million in funding for four projects across all three regions of Nunavut, delivered through CanNor. Recipients include Sedna ROV Services, which will acquire Arctic-capable unmanned equipment for hydrographic surveying and environmental monitoring; West Kitikmeot Resources, which will advance the Grays Bay Road and Port initiative with environmental and engineering studies; Nukik Corporation, leading environmental and community work for the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link; and Ampere, preparing pre-construction for a new economic development hub in Iqaluit. The Grays Bay Road and Port project was recently referred to the Major Projects Office for ongoing regulatory collaboration. These projects align with the government’s strategy to fortify Arctic sovereignty and advance partnerships with Inuit organizations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Invests in Yukon Food Security and First Nations Infrastructure

The Government of Canada, through CanNor, is providing up to $1.26 million for five community-driven food projects in Yukon. The Ross River Dena Council will receive support for pre-construction on a new general store, while the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation will use funds to develop a community food security plan and storage facility in Old Crow. Replic8 Technologies Inc. will scale up mobile ag services for disease-free plants, and Tum Tum’s Black Gilt Meats is building a micro-abattoir to support local meat processing. 835564 Yukon Inc. is advancing an agri-tourism and processing facility to support Yukon Berry Farms. These investments are directed at new infrastructure and business expansion opportunities for Indigenous governments, communities, and harvesters.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Program Supports Indigenous Tourism and Cultural Projects in Alberta

On April 22, Prairies Economic Development Canada announced $1.94 million in Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funding for eight projects in Alberta. Several initiatives support Indigenous-led tourism, including the creation of permanent galleries at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland Society, expansion of Indigenous accommodations at Pine Creek Retreat, and development of Métis-focused tourism experiences at Rural River Rentals Ltd. The Woods Experience Ltd. will upgrade facilities to expand Indigenous tourism programming in Yellowhead County. The mix of repayable and non-repayable funding from TGP is intended to boost capacity in Indigenous and Métis tourism offerings, increase economic participation, and expand Alberta’s tourism ecosystem.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Citizenship Week Ceremonies Incorporate Indigenous Protocols

From April 12 to 18, over 80 citizenship ceremonies took place across Canada, welcoming approximately 6,000 new citizens from 40 countries. Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced that many of these events included Indigenous Elders or community members, with land acknowledgements and messages about reconciliation. The integration of Indigenous perspectives in citizenship events affirms the federal commitment to recognizing the contributions and histories of Indigenous Peoples as part of the Canadian identity. Participant engagement focused on community building and the responsibilities of citizenship, marking continued efforts to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and protocols in national milestones.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government Renews New Horizons for Seniors Program Funding for Indigenous Communities

Employment and Social Development Canada reported the approval of over 2,600 community-based projects under the 2025–26 New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), totaling more than $54 million in funding. The NHSP includes a priority to advance reconciliation with Indigenous people by supporting a better quality of life for Indigenous seniors and backing community organizations focused on elder engagement, social inclusion, and mentoring. Community-based grants are up to $25,000 per organization, supporting over 400 communities each year, with targeted efforts to engage Indigenous and other vulnerable populations through mentorship, mental health, and intergenerational programming.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

BC Opens Indigenous-Led Community Health Centres

New Indigenous community health centres in Port Alberni and Campbell River will offer culturally appropriate primary care for over 5,750 patients, operating under Indigenous governance.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Chief Leonard George Building Provides Affordable Homes for Indigenous Elders and Families in Vancouver

The newly opened Chief Leonard George building offers 81 affordable homes and incorporates Indigenous cultural elements in its design, serving Indigenous Elders, families, and individuals in East Vancouver.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Releases Interim Wildfire After Action Review with Focus on First Nations Involvement

Manitoba’s interim 2025 Wildfire After Action Review outlines a $1.2-million upgrade for fire services and ongoing recruitment and training of wildland firefighters, specifically in First Nations communities.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

BC and First Nations Continue Collaboration on DRIPA, Opt Not to Amend This Session

Premier David Eby and BC’s First Nations Leadership Council confirmed that no amendments to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act will be introduced this spring, with further collaboration planned before the fall session.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

BC Allots Grants to Community Projects Including Indigenous Knowledge Revitalization

The BC Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants program awarded funds to more than 60 organizations, including initiatives focused on Indigenous knowledge revitalization and MMIWG commemorative events.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Assembly of First Nations call for withdrawal of Red River Métis self-government bill: The Assembly of First Nations has requested that Ottawa withdraw legislation related to Red River Métis self-government.
• How commissioners of the Innu child protection system inquiry are keeping humanity at the forefront of conversation: The CBC profiles efforts to maintain a human-centered approach during the Innu child protection system inquiry.
• Eby ‘moving forward’ with First Nations after latest climbdown on Indigenous law: Reporting on BC Premier Eby’s decision not to amend Indigenous rights legislation this session.
• United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues - Indigenous governments, organizations and legal aid clinic rebuke Canada for mass incarceration of Indigenous Peoples - call for funding and authority to Indigenous governments and organizations: Indigenous leaders at the UN forum draw attention to incarceration rates and call for increased authority.
• Gov. Gen. Mary Simon addresses United Nations forum on Indigenous rights: Coverage of Governor General Mary Simon's remarks at the UN forum on Indigenous rights.
• What to know about DRIPA and why B.C. wants to amend the Indigenous rights law: An analysis of the ongoing discussions in BC over the DRIPA and potential reforms.
• First Nations should be equal partners in Manitoba's wildfire response: Pimicikamak chief: Pimicikamak chief advocates for increased First Nations involvement in wildfire responses.
• Morning Update: Indigenous repatriation has a long road ahead: Updates on ongoing efforts and challenges with Indigenous repatriation.
• War, climate change and AI: What’s at stake at this year’s UN Indigenous forum: The UN Indigenous forum features discussion on global threats from war, climate, and technology.
• B.C. premier ‘moving forward’ with First Nations after latest climbdown on Indigenous rights law: Premier David Eby’s collaboration with First Nations comes after legislative adjustments regarding Indigenous rights.

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