Right now, Canada’s sovereignty is being threatened by the U.S. Administration and faces its greatest economic challenge in recent years. How does Canada respect the sovereignty of individual First Nations without compromising the greater interests of the country as a whole?
North Island-Powell River
Jennifer Lash, Liberal
We need a Prime Minister who will defend Canada from threats to our economy and our sovereignty by building the economy and diversifying our markets. This is a transformational moment for Canada and First Nations must be partners in shaping Canada’s economic future. We can and must pursue national interests while upholding our obligations to Indigenous self-determination.
Jessica Wegg, Green Party
Canada is what we make of it. For too long, this has been steered by a powerful few who truly serve only themselves. The Canada that they’ve built on extraction and exploitation isn’t the Canada that Canadians treasure: a diverse, respectful and peaceful society, that at once knows where it comes from, acknowledges the pain its birth occasioned, and strives to build a future that includes all and avoids repeating the mistakes from the past. Greens acknowledge Indigenous laws and ownership of these lands and commit to always consulting and working with First Nations as we grow together.
Tanille Johnston, NDP
Canada's sovereignty is intertwined with that of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We’ve only begun the journey of reconciliation. An NDP government will continue to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in partnership with communities. We'll end the 2% funding cap and ensure free, prior, and informed consent for projects impacting Indigenous rights.
We'll partner with First Nations to build sustainable, local economies that honor traditional knowledge that strengthens Canada by closing gaps in housing, clean water, and health care. By expanding culturally safe health services, including midwifery and primary care, we ensure timely access for all. Our vision is a Canada where reconciliation means shared prosperity and defending sovereignty starts with justice.
Courtenay-Alberni
Brian Cameron, Liberal
A Mark Carney-led government will continue with the Liberal track record of leadership on overall reconciliation with First Nations across Canada. It is my hope that I can visit all local First Nations within the Courtenay-Alberni Riding as a priority should I become the Member of Parliament to personally commit to respect this sovereignty.
Gord Johns, NDP
Canada’s strength in the face of U.S. economic threats must be grounded in justice and reconciliation. Respecting First Nations sovereignty isn’t a barrier to national interest--it's essential to it. True nation to nation relationships mean shared decision making, not token consultation. Indigenous rights must be upheld in trade, resource and economic policy. When Canada honours its commitments to First Nations we build a more united country, one that leads with integrity on the global stage. I will keep fighting for Indigenous sovereignty as a core part of building an economy that works for everyone, not just the powerful few.
Chris Markevich, Green Party
Blanket colonialism cannot be allowed to continue. As Greens, we acknowledge Indigenous law and ownership of these land and prioritize consensus seeking and building, consultation and long term thinking. Key to our principles is that of self determination. As we fight for the future of Canada, we must uphold and live up to the values that define us as Canadians, and those include the search for a stronger relationship to the ancestral custodians of the lands that now give us shelter, food and belonging. There is no future for Canada without a strong alignment between our values and actions. This is why we commit to always consulting with First Nations on matters of national interest and ensuring that they have a seat at the table and are kept abreast of the various developments related to domestic security.
Kris McNichol, Conservative
Respecting Indigenous sovereignty means meaningful partnerships, not top-down control. We must protect Canada’s national interests—like resource development and trade—while working with First Nations to ensure shared prosperity and mutual respect.
Cowichan-Malahat-Langford
Kathleen Code, Green Party
When it comes to tariffs, we are all in this together. The Greens would welcome an opportunity to consult with Indigenous leaders to learn about concerns, impacts and possible remedies. Forestry, mineral extraction, and environmental concerns would be top of mind and we will be opposing any new or expanded oil and gas facilities in favour of community and renewable energy resources. The Greens are proposing a Federal Strategic Reserve which would stockpile and then use resources such as lumber, steel and aluminum for domestic and First Nations use (ie home building) where mutually agreed and culturally appropriate.
Alistair MacGregor, NDP
Like many in our communities, I have felt betrayed by a country that was supposed to be one of our closest friends and allies. We must fight back using every tool that we can, ensuring workers, industry, and small businesses are looked after in every part of our country, including Indigenous communities.
The interests of Canada and the sovereignty of First Nations are not mutually exclusive, as it is true that well-resourced Indigenous governance adds strength to Canada’s overall resilience and resolve. An effective response to the threat will require all levels of government, industry, and business to work together.