June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Government of Canada, Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Defer Nunavut Land Use Plan Approval

The Government of Canada, Government of Nunavut, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated have announced they cannot accept the 2023 Recommended Nunavut Land Use Plan at this time, following extensive consultations. The parties indicate further work is needed, referencing requirements under the Nunavut Agreement to jointly approve the plan before implementation. The plan, if adopted, would establish territory-wide policies covering one-fifth of Canada's land mass. Key issues include ensuring regulatory certainty, supporting responsible development, and advancing Inuit rights and self-determination. The Government of Nunavut is set to assume administration and control of Crown lands, natural resources, and inland waters on April 1, 2027, as part of the Devolution Agreement. Stakeholder contributions, including those from communities and industry, influenced the review process. The parties commit to additional cooperation with the Nunavut Planning Commission to advance a land use plan aligned with long-term Inuit and Nunavummiut interests.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Kahnawà:ke and Canada Progress on Land Return with Funding for Environmental Clean-up

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke have met to advance the return of land at the St. Rémi federal surplus property. Minister Rebecca Alty announced $1.2 million in funding to the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke for environmental remediation at the site, addressing contamination risks from oil and asbestos. The clean-up will allow safe use of the land for cultural, ceremonial, and agricultural activities, facilitating the Food Sovereignty project. Access to portions of the property will be granted to Mohawk representatives during the remediation phase. The initiative is guided by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. Completion of environmental remediation is a prerequisite to broader land use and return to the community.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Springpole Gold Project in Ontario Deemed Not Likely to Cause Significant Adverse Environmental Effects

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has determined that the Springpole Gold Project, proposed by First Mining Gold Corp., is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. The open-pit gold and silver mine 110 km northeast of Red Lake, Ontario, underwent a federal assessment incorporating Indigenous-led studies and community input. Six Indigenous communities participated, contributing Knowledge and assessments. Legally binding conditions address impacts on Indigenous Peoples, including mitigation of effects on health, socio-economic conditions, cultural heritage, and traditional land use. The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs and represents a $957.7 million investment, with emphasis on progressive land reclamation and pollution controls. The proponent must obtain additional permits as required.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Quebec Sign Agreement for Caribou Recovery with Indigenous Participation

Minister Julie Dabrusin and Minister Pascale Déry announced an agreement for caribou recovery in Quebec, allocating $25 million over five years from the federal government in addition to Quebec's $59.5 million commitment. The initiative features habitat and population management measures, including protected areas, conservation pens, and predator management. Indigenous communities are to be engaged in monitoring, habitat management, research, and knowledge-sharing. An additional $15 million federal funding supports Indigenous-led caribou and habitat restoration projects. Protective actions have led to population increases in Charlevoix and Gaspésie. Quebec has established new protected areas for caribou preservation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Northern Businesses Receive $2.2M to Expand Tourism Infrastructure and Marketing

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency is providing $2,209,505 to eight tourism projects in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. Minister Rebecca Chartrand announced funding aimed at strengthening infrastructure, marketing, and service capacity. Investments are intended to increase Indigenous economic participation and support northern supply chains. The initiative targets expansion of tourism destinations and business innovation, fostering economic diversification in the territories.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Sport for Social Development Initiative to Support Indigenous Communities Announced in Fort McMurray

On July 6, Secretary of State Wayne Long will announce recipients of the 2026–2028 funding cycle for the Sport for Social Development in Indigenous Communities initiative. The event in Fort McMurray includes media availability and registration requirements. The program aims to increase access to sport and social development opportunities among Indigenous peoples, with details to follow from Department of Finance Canada.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Second Phase Launched for Targeted Labour Relations Consultations in Canada

Employment and Social Development Canada has opened a second phase of labour relations consultations, following broad stakeholder input in the first round. Discussions focus on targeted changes to the federal Labour Code and Wage Earner Protection Program Act, soliciting feedback on dispute resolution (section 107), expedited grievance arbitration, bad faith bargaining, strike mandate timelines, first collective agreements, medical leave with pay, and wage theft enforcement. The consultation builds on 208 stakeholder submissions received to date, with additional opportunity for input regarding worker supports and collective bargaining frameworks. The background document details models from provincial jurisdictions and outlines key questions for labor and Indigenous partners.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Northwestern BC Land-Use Planning Initiatives Move to Engagement Phase

Draft land-use plans for the Meziadin and Kaska regions in northwest British Columbia, including proposed conservancies and updated resource management plans, are open for public input until August 4, 2026; consultations involve Kaska First Nations, Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, Nisga’a Lisims Government, Tahltan Nation, and provincial officials.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Kootenays Food Procurement Program Receives Provincial Funding

Nakusp and Area Development Board’s Agri-food Alliance is granted nearly $72,000 from BC’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to boost local food production and distribution.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Manitoba Expands Eligibility for Hepatitis A Vaccine Ahead of Indigenous Summer Games

Manitoba Health updated criteria for free hepatitis A vaccines for community members, athletes, workers, and attendees of the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games amid a continuing outbreak affecting multiple communities.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Quebec Publishes First Integrated Energy Resource Management Plan

The PGIRE sets long-term energy priorities through 2050, involving Hydro-Quebec and Indigenous partners, with a focus on energy efficiency, electrification, and development of renewable resources.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Standing Hearing Scheduled for Inquest into Death of Talia Kent in Manitoba

A standing hearing for participation in the inquest into Talia Kent’s death will be held September 4; the inquest will examine events in November–December 2022 leading to her passing from fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Government Consultations

Privacy Act Modernization Consultation Continues

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat seeks stakeholder feedback on proposed policy approaches for updating federal privacy protections, with consultation open until July 10, 2026.

Sources: canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Community, culture the answer to combat HIV stigma: Indigenous people: Coverage of efforts to address HIV stigma through community and cultural initiatives among Indigenous populations.
• Carney, Inuit meeting wraps with pledge on new program to replace child funding: Mark Carney and Inuit leaders agree on the need for a new child funding program.
• ‘This is your homeland’: Carney, Inuit leaders agree there is room for better co-operation: Report on a meeting emphasizing co-operation between Inuit leaders and Mark Carney.
• Indigenous people fight high HIV rates with education, community: Video segment about education campaigns in Indigenous communities facing high HIV rates.
• Shared cultural experiences most Indigenous people can relate to: Video piece discussing common cultural experiences among Indigenous people.
• Puyallup Tribe and First Nations in Canada hope World Cup partnerships raise cultural awareness: Article on partnerships aiming to raise awareness of Indigenous cultures during the World Cup.
• Indigenous Relations minister says province reviewing Innu timeline: Newfoundland and Labrador minister discusses review of the timeline for Innu relations.
• Carney, Inuit leaders meet, agree on need for better co-operation: News report on partnership committee meetings between Inuit leaders and Mark Carney.

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