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: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• House of Commons INAN to review Indian Act registration reforms, February 10: The INAN committee meets February 10 to discuss issues related to Indian Act registration with officials from the Department of Indigenous Services, including Director General Lori Doran and Chief Data Officer Sacha Senécal, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Fisheries and Oceans Committee to study marine and coastal protections including Qikiqtani Inuit Association input, February 9: On February 9, the House Fisheries and Oceans Committee will hold witness sessions on marine protections; appearances include Richard Paton of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and Francis Skeard from Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation, running 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples to examine Part 4 and Division 35 of Bill C-15, February 10: The Senate Indigenous Peoples Committee is scheduled for February 10 at 9:00 a.m. (in camera) to consider the budget implementation bill’s Division 35 elements impacting Indigenous provisions.
• Senate Human Rights Committee to study employment equity in federal public service, February 9: The Senate Human Rights Committee will convene February 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Witnesses include the Native Women’s Association of Canada CEO, Federal Black Employee Caucus, and others, on employment equity topics.
• Senate National Finance Committee to review Bills C-15 and C-4, February 10: On February 10 at 9:00 a.m., the Senate National Finance Committee will examine the subject matter of budget bill C-15 and affordability measure bill C-4. Testimony includes Ernie Daniels of the First Nations Finance Authority.

Federal Government News

CanNor directs over $2.8 million to AI and digital literacy projects in northern Indigenous and Inuit communities

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced $2.8 million in new AI and digital literacy funding for Arctic and sub-Arctic communities. Selected projects include an AI entrepreneurship centre by Prosper NWT, a digital literacy and online safety training initiative by the Inuvik Tech Society, two Inuit-led AI pilot projects by the Nunavut Economic Developers Association, and a data standardization platform by Yukon-based DeltaVue Inc. The initiatives aim to establish AI training centers, mobile laboratories, grant-writing tools, and harmonized sensor data for local and Indigenous governments. Funding is drawn from CanNor’s IDEANorth and REGI-AI streams. These projects target increased Indigenous participation in digital innovation, local economic development autonomy, and data sovereignty across Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate amends Bill S-212 to mandate Indigenous consultation for national youth strategy

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs continued clause-by-clause review of Bill S-212, a proposed law to establish a national strategy for children and youth. Senator Greenwood secured amendments to require culturally safe consultations specifically for Indigenous children and youth and the explicit inclusion of the Inuit Child First Initiative and Indigenous-focused early learning and child care, meeting TRC Call to Action 12. The timeline for developing the strategy was extended from 24 to 36 months to allow for in-depth engagement with Indigenous organizations. The committee adopted further amendments stipulating consultation with Indigenous governing bodies during the five-year legislative review. Financial and translation resource implications were discussed, as well as the need to avoid a pan-Indigenous approach, instead recognizing distinctions between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Canada opens first consulate in Greenland, increases Arctic Indigenous mobility

During a bilateral visit in Nuuk on February 6, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand announced the launch of a Canadian consulate in Greenland, marking a new phase in Canadian-Greenlandic diplomatic relations. Anand and Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt addressed bilateral cooperation opportunities in mining, clean energy, infrastructure, and Arctic connectivity, as well as expanded economic security engagement. Anand reaffirmed support for Indigenous mobility and cultural exchange across the circumpolar Arctic, and the consulate is intended to facilitate both commercial ties and Indigenous-to-Indigenous engagement in the region. The move follows Canada’s strategy to bolster northern presence and shared priorities with Greenland on reconciliation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal government seeks leaders for the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages

Canadian Heritage Minister Marc Miller launched a call for applications to fill the Commissioner and three Director positions at the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages. The appointees will be tasked with advancing the reclamation, revitalization, and maintenance of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis languages, working closely with Indigenous governments and organizations as established under the Indigenous Languages Act. Qualified candidates with understanding of Indigenous cultures and the challenges facing Indigenous languages are encouraged to apply by March 3. Notices of opportunity are available in nine Indigenous languages.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate examines Bill C-15 amendments affecting First Nations tax jurisdiction

The Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples reviewed amendments to the First Nations Goods and Services Tax Act within Bill C-15, including testimony from First Nations Tax Commission Chief Commissioner Manny Jules and senior officials from Finance Canada. Amendments are aimed at expanding First Nations' jurisdiction ('tax room') for economic development, with proposed inclusion of gaming and ATM transactions as potential revenue streams. Subsequent changes to the Fiscal Management Act were discussed regarding transparency and reporting requirements. The committee explored the voluntary nature of tax measures, jurisdictional clarity, and planned administrative agreements for revenue sharing. Department of Finance representatives and Chief Maracle expressed divergent perspectives on the implications and timing of amendments for inherent rights and sovereignty.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Federal environmental assessment clears all-season road connecting three Cree First Nations in Manitoba

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada determined that the 141-kilometre all-season road—linking Manto Sipi, Bunibonibee, and God's Lake First Nations—is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature referenced scientific evidence and Indigenous Knowledge in the review. Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, as project proponent, must comply with legally binding mitigation conditions, including risk controls for erosion, runoff, habitat protection, and monitoring of noise and air quality to safeguard Indigenous health and cultural heritage. The all-season road will improve transportation, local employment, and economic opportunity for remote communities.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Fisheries and Oceans Committee focuses on Indigenous harvester relations and resource management

The Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans examined the independence of commercial inshore fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec. Discussions pointed to enforcement of owner-operator policies, barriers to industry entry for new fishers, and ongoing concerns about corporate concentration. Committee members addressed the need for legislative protection, tax policy adaptation, and dialogue with Indigenous fishers. Ian MacPherson of the Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association cited exclusion from certain federal-Indigenous negotiations and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge from Indigenous fishers into scientific and policy frameworks.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate hears from Naskapi Nation and Public Safety Canada on repealing policing sections of Naskapi and Cree-Naskapi Commission Act

The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples discussed Bill C-15’s proposal to repeal sections 195 and 196 of the Naskapi and Cree-Naskapi Commission Act related to the Naskapi Police Force. Witnesses including Chief Louise Nattawapio, Police Chief William Moffat, and Public Safety Canada’s Adrian Walraven addressed jurisdictional modernization, funding growth, and federal-provincial negotiations for Category III land policing. Issues debated included RCMP recognition of First Nations laws, the efficiency of remote court systems, and the call for local Indigenous justice systems. Funding equity and tailored programming for policing in Indigenous communities were key topics.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Energy Committee highlights Mi’kmaq-led legal challenge to Bay du Nord project and Indigenous involvement in impact assessments

During the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc. legal counsel Derek Simon and Executive Director Dean Vicaire described ongoing legal proceedings regarding the Bay du Nord petroleum project. Concerns were raised about inadequate consultation with Mi'kmaq communities and the necessity of Indigenous-led impact assessments. The broader conversation included economic feasibility of transitioning from fossil fuels, reliability of renewables in the region, and integration of Indigenous perspectives in future regulatory assessments.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Government launches Advisory Council on Rights, Equality, and Inclusion with Indigenous participation mandate

Canadian Heritage Minister Marc Miller announced the creation of an Advisory Council on Rights, Equality and Inclusion, tasked with fostering social cohesion and countering racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. The council will consult communities nationwide and is instructed to create a network of leaders, including Indigenous Peoples, to form expert policy advice. Council composition is expected to be determined and announced separately. The group's advisory role will focus on bridging civil society initiatives and supporting ministerial goals under the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Senate Agriculture Committee considers integrating Indigenous knowledge into national soil health strategy

The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry convened on Bill S-230, addressing a proposed national soil health strategy. The session included discussion on standardizing soil health measurements, with Dr. Ana-Maria Tomlinson of the Canadian Standards Association and Dr. Cristine L.S. Morgan of the Soil Health Institute referencing the necessity of integrating Indigenous knowledge and regional benchmarking as part of robust strategy. Testimony from multiple sectors raised the need for data privacy, affordable soil testing, and making best practices scalable across diverse geographies.

Sources: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Manitoba government advances Churchill Plus project, consulting with northern First Nations and Métis leaders

Premier Wab Kinew, Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie, and federal Northern Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand met with northern Indigenous leaders in Thompson to discuss economic growth opportunities tied to the Manitoba Crown Indigenous Corporation and the Churchill Plus project. The meetings included representatives from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Métis Federation.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba invests $250,000 to explore national marine conservation area in Hudson Bay

The Manitoba government announced $250,000 in partnership funding, with Oceans North contributing $1 million, to assess the feasibility of a national marine conservation area in western Hudson Bay. The proposal involves collaboration with federal, Indigenous, and local stakeholders.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Manitoba supports Camp Nanuq renovations with $57,000 to enhance intergenerational Indigenous programming

A grant of $57,000 from the From the Ground Up initiative will fund upgrades to Camp Nanuq in Churchill, supporting programs for youth and elders to promote Indigenous cultural heritage and community engagement in northern Manitoba.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia and Doig River First Nation open survey on Treaty 8 land-use planning

The Province of B.C. and Doig River First Nation launched a public survey for a co-developed land-use plan covering 2.6 million hectares of Treaty 8 territory. The process aims to balance restoration, economic opportunities, and cultural preservation.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

BC invests $12.7 million for 34 new supportive housing units for Indigenous and at-risk youth in Prince George

BC Housing is providing $12.7 million to expand Reconnect Youth Village with 34 supportive housing spaces for youth aged 14-18 and young adults transitioning out of care, operated by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission consults on expectations for Indigenous engagement during licensing

The CNSC is seeking input on REGDOC-3.2.2, a regulatory document outlining how licensees should engage with Indigenous communities regarding projects that could invoke the Crown’s duty to consult. The consultation remains open until March 9, 2026.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Nearly $300M in federal contracts went to companies later removed from Indigenous Business Directory: An investigation finds hundreds of millions in contracts were awarded to firms later disqualified from the federal Indigenous Business Directory.
• 'We are one people': Canadian consulate officially opens in Greenland | CBC News: Officials and Inuit leaders mark the opening of Canada’s new consulate in Nuuk, strengthening ties across the Arctic.
• A Smart Win for Canada, Alberta, and First Nations--the Kitsault Energy Project: The Kitsault LNG project highlights a partnership among governments and Indigenous communities on energy infrastructure.
• From climate change to Inuit culture — five things shared by Greenland and Canada (Toronto Star): Examines shared priorities and cultural links between Canada and Greenland.
• From climate change to Inuit culture — five things shared by Greenland and Canada (CTV News): CTV explores how geography, climate, and culture tie Canada and Greenland together.
• 5 more First Nations join legal challenge against Bill 5 and C-5: Five Ontario First Nations join litigation related to federal and provincial legislative changes affecting Indigenous rights.

.