Amnesty International, a global human rights organization, has expressed concerns about Canada’s regression on Indigenous rights under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government. The organization’s annual global human rights report, released on Monday evening, highlights the impact of new laws passed last year that expedite major projects and promote resource development, posing a threat to Indigenous peoples’ self-determination.
Ketty Nivyabandi, the secretary general of Amnesty International Canada’s English section, stated in an Ottawa interview that there is a noticeable retreat in upholding Indigenous rights. Amnesty International is standing in solidarity with Indigenous nations and civil society groups opposing Carney’s Building Canada Act and similar legislation in Ontario and British Columbia.
The report coincides with ongoing concerns raised by First Nations. The Assembly of First Nations announced that National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak will address the situation in British Columbia at the United Nations this week, emphasizing that Canada and British Columbia cannot undermine First Nations’ human rights and still be respected internationally.
British Columbia sparked controversy by proposing to suspend critical provisions of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, despite being the first Canadian jurisdiction to enact a law implementing the declaration. Last summer, the re-elected Liberals faced criticism from First Nations for their major projects law, drawing parallels to the Idle No More movement of 2012.
In response to the criticism, Carney organized summits to address Indigenous concerns and assure leaders that their rights will be respected during the law’s implementation. Tensions persisted into December following the signing of a Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding on pipeline development.
Nivyabandi previously cautioned that the initial days of Carney’s tenure indicated a regression in Indigenous rights, a sentiment that remains unchanged. She emphasized the need for Canada to prioritize human rights, particularly for marginalized communities, amid efforts to strengthen its economic position.
Amnesty International’s global report acknowledges Carney’s call for middle powers worldwide to collaborate, but Nivyabandi warns the Liberal government, now holding a majority in the House of Commons, against compromising human rights as they increase defense spending and pursue economic growth while making budget cuts in other areas.