OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit Inuvik, Northwest Territories on July 24, where he will focus on discussions with Indigenous groups regarding the government's significant projects bill. This visit underscores the Prime Minister's commitment to engaging with Indigenous communities on crucial issues affecting their lands and interests.

During his visit, Carney will co-host a session of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee alongside Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. The meeting aims to address a wide array of topics, as outlined by the Prime Minister's Office. A primary focus will be on how the Building Canada Act can be executed in a manner that respects Inuit land claims agreements and fosters a collaborative partnership with Inuit communities.

The Building Canada Act is designed to facilitate the fast-tracking of federal projects deemed to serve the national interest. This legislation allows the government to bypass certain review processes outlined in various federal laws, which has sparked conversations about the implications for Indigenous rights and environmental protections.

Carney's engagement with Indigenous leaders began with a meeting in Gatineau, Quebec, where he convened with hundreds of First Nations chiefs. This gathering was the first of a series of three planned meetings aimed at addressing the concerns of Indigenous groups across the country. However, the reception was mixed, with some chiefs expressing disappointment and feeling that their long-standing concerns were met with inadequate responses. Others, however, left the meeting feeling "cautiously optimistic" about potential advancements.

Before heading to Inuvik, Prime Minister Carney will make a brief stop in Fort Smith, the town where he was born and where he spent his early years. This personal visit holds significance as Carney reflects on his roots while addressing contemporary issues facing Indigenous communities in the North.

This initiative serves to amplify the government's dialogue with Indigenous peoples, particularly in relation to infrastructure development and national projects that intersect with their rights and treaties. The ongoing discussions aim not only to build bridges but also to ensure that the development of Canada's infrastructure aligns with the interests and agreements of Indigenous groups.