Natural Resources

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources met on March 12, 2026, to study Canadian energy exports. Appearing were National Chief Cindy Woodhouse-Nepinak, Strategic Advisor Graeme Reed, and Director of Economic Development Benjamin Green-Stacey, all from the Assembly of First Nations.

National Chief Woodhouse-Nepinak affirmed that First Nations are ready to partner on sustainable economic growth, noting over $600 billion in projects forecast on traditional lands over the next decade. She called for a constitutional review of the 1930 Natural Resources Transfer Agreements, which she said violate treaty rights by giving provinces control over Crown lands without First Nations' consent. She stressed that First Nations must lead energy development conversations and that ownership and partnership must be prioritized for Canada to become a global energy superpower.

Graeme Reed agreed with Conservative MP Stubbs that the duty to consult and accommodate is a constitutional obligation, and that advisory committees like the Indigenous Advisory Council are insufficient for fulfilling it. He noted that First Nations were concerned about the Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding moving forward without free, prior and informed consent, and that capacity funding for regulatory participation has been insufficient. He also highlighted that many projects referred to the Major Projects Office had already advanced before the Building Canada Act was created.

Benjamin Green-Stacey stated that the national benefit-sharing framework from Canada's UNDA action plan has stalled and needs revitalization. He explained that the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program helps nations ready for equity stakes but excludes those lacking bureaucratic infrastructure, and that First Nations face unique barriers like land tenure on reserve preventing use of property as collateral. He emphasized that closing the $400 billion infrastructure gap is a precondition for many First Nations to participate in major projects.

During debate on a Conservative motion to invite Enbridge CEO Gregory Ebel for one hour alone, Bloc MP Guay proposed an amendment to remove "by himself," which was accepted. The motion carried with apparent consensus. A second Conservative motion to hold additional meetings on Canadian Natural Resources Limited's deferred Jackpine Mine expansion, inviting multiple witnesses, faced opposition; Bloc MP Simard moved to adjourn debate, which was accepted.