Carney ‘very open’ to abolishing the Indian Act

First Ministers’ Meeting on Indigenous Peoples

Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers held a first ministers’ meeting dedicated exclusively to Indigenous peoples. Participants described it as a historic opportunity for governments to work together, particularly amid economic pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called for repealing the Indian Act, which regulates aspects of Indigenous governance and lands. Carney said he shares Kinew’s view and is committed to a process to take Canada beyond the Act.

Carney also discussed finding new ways for Indigenous communities to generate wealth through development projects. His proposed timeline—one project, one standard, one review, and one year—raised concerns among some leaders, who said meaningful consultation cannot be completed in a year. Others saw potential benefits for their communities, while some remained unsure what would follow the meeting.

Carney committed to continuing discussions with Indigenous peoples and premiers at another First Ministers’ Table in two years.

Presenters and Contributors

Mark Carney, Wab Kinew, CBC News reporter Olivia Stefanovich, and Indigenous leaders whose names were not identified in the subtitles.