First Nations arrive with some optimism — but mostly skepticism — as Carney's C-5 summit begins

Carney's megaprojects summit sees one chief walk out as others express cautious optimism

Prime Minister Mark Carney's honeymoon appears over, as last-minute changes to the agenda and at least one chief bailing on the meeting before the day was done underscored the rushed push to nation build that now risks court challenges, major protests and a tarred legacy.

First Nations arrive with some optimism — but mostly skepticism — as Carney's C-5 summit begins

First Nations leaders from across Canada expressed some optimism but mostly skepticism and even cynicism as they arrived in Gatineau, Que., for Prime Minister Mark Carney's summit to allay their concerns over his new law to fast-track major projects.

Wet’suwet’en and Gitxsan leaders in Gatineau to speak for their communities and lands at summit on C-5 legislation - Peace Brigades International-Canada

Photo: Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief Na’Moks, Wet’suwet’en land defender Gaylene Morris of the Likhsamasyu Clan, Gitxsan hereditary leader Gwii Lok’im Gibuu, Jesse Stoeppler, and Dogwood Northern B.C. coordinator Kai Nagata. Indigenous Climate Action has posted on Instagram: “Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting a summit on Bill C-5 on July 16–17 in Gatineau, QC — but key hereditary leaders, including the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs were not…