NDP calls out Mark Carney for ignoring Indigenous rights

Carney’s record at Brookfield: not committed to Reconciliation

THOMPSON – Today, NDP MP Lori Idlout (Nunavut), NDP MP Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski) and NDP candidate Laura Mayer (Sault Ste. Marie –Algoma) called out Mark Carney for his record of ignoring Indigenous rights including fighting First Nations in court.

During Carney’s time as Vice Chair and Head of Environment, Social and Governance at Brookfield Asset Management or as Chair, Brookfield and its subsidiaries have had a troubling track record on First Nations. The Mississauga First Nation in Ontario was forced to fight Brookfield in court over hydroelectric dams on the Mississaugi River. Mississauga First Nation’s lawyers argued in court that the First Nation had " been cut down to its knees by this project.”

“Mark Carney’s company, Brookfield, has ignored Indigenous peoples here in Canada, and internationally including fighting them in court. The more we get to know Mark Carney the clearer it is that on reconciliation - he’s not part of the solution, he’s part of the problem,” said Ashton. “The NDP will always stand up and defend justice for Indigenous peoples.”

The NDP also called out Carney's recent announcement in Nunavut that, Idlout says, ignored the challenges people are going through, from the rising cost of living to the inadequate infrastructure in the region.

“Mark Carney came to Nunavut and re-announced a 6-billion-dollar radar system and re-announced funds that were already allocated for our communities. Nearly 25 times more for a radar system than for Nunavut communities facing a housing and infrastructure crisis. This is not acceptable. This is not what reconciliation is all about,” said Idlout. “I am proud of Jagmeet Singh's recent announcement in Nunavut calling for more investments to lift up our communities.”

The NDP also pointed to Carney's recent cabinet announcement.

“It’s concerning that without a dedicated Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Nation-to-Nation relationships that have been hard fought will be pushed aside for corporate interests. Reactionary fast-tracking of development projects without considering Indigenous rights or climate change won’t work.” said Mayer. “New Democrats know everyone needs to be at the table to get the work done.”

Over the past year, the NDP fought back against the Liberal government and succeeded in reversing over $7.6 billion worth of cuts from services Indigenous peoples rely on. New Democrats fight for Indigenous peoples.