Amnesty International Flags Concerns Over Canada's Approach to Indigenous Rights
Annual report cites rollback linked to major projects and legislative changes
Amnesty International has stated that Canada is exhibiting signs of regression on Indigenous rights, citing recent legislative and policy developments under Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government. The organization's concerns are outlined in its annual global human rights report, released Monday evening, which analyses the state of human rights worldwide and highlights areas of particular concern in Canada.
The report singles out new laws passed in the previous year, which Amnesty says have fast-tracked major infrastructure projects and expanded resource development. According to Amnesty, these legislative changes pose a threat to Indigenous peoples' right to self-determination, a right enshrined in various international declarations and previously supported by Canada through legislative and policy commitments.
Ketty Nivyabandi, secretary general of Amnesty International Canada's English section, stated in Ottawa that, particularly with respect to Indigenous rights, Canada is stepping back. "We're rolling back," she said, referring to the effect of recent policy shifts. Nivyabandi also indicated that Amnesty International is supporting Indigenous nations and civil society organizations that have opposed the federal Building Canada Act, as well as similar legislative measures introduced in Ontario and British Columbia.
The concerns raised by Amnesty International are echoed by some First Nations leaders and organizations. The Assembly of First Nations, a political advocacy body, stated on Monday that its National Chief, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, intends to raise the situation in British Columbia at the United Nations this week. In a statement, Woodhouse Nepinak remarked, "Neither Canada nor British Columbia can extinguish, amend or suspend First Nations’ human rights and remain a respected member of the international community."
In British Columbia, the provincial government, which was the first in Canada to pass a law implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), has faced criticism after proposing to suspend certain key provisions of the law. This move has provoked controversy and prompted debate about the province's commitment to upholding internationally recognized Indigenous rights.
The newly re-elected Liberal government's legislation governing major projects has attracted strong criticism from some First Nations. Some have compared the response to the 2012 Idle No More movement, which emerged in opposition to omnibus bills introduced by the Harper government that Indigenous groups argued threatened their rights and interests. The comparison suggests a perception among some Indigenous communities that the current legislative approach is reminiscent of past disputes over resource development and Indigenous consultation.
In an attempt to address the concerns, Prime Minister Carney convened a series of summits with Indigenous leaders, assuring them that their rights would be respected as the government implements the new legislation. Despite these assurances, tensions persisted through the end of the year, including following the signing of a Canada-Alberta memorandum of understanding on pipeline development in December.
Nivyabandi previously cautioned that Carney's first 100 days in office signalled a regression in Canada's approach to Indigenous rights. She affirmed that these concerns remain, stating, "The big story out of this is that it seems as though as much as Canada is trying, of course legitimately, to strengthen its economic power in light of the threats by the U.S., there seems to be a sort of blindness to who this is impacting. We need to be very careful that ... Canada remains strong on human rights and is not 'Canada strong' at the expense of those who are most marginalized."
The report also notes that Indigenous women from Ecuador have brought concerns about mining abuses and free trade policies to Parliament Hill, suggesting that the debate over Indigenous rights and resource development in Canada resonates with broader international issues.
Amnesty International's report is critical of Canada's recent record on Indigenous rights but does acknowledge certain positive developments. The organization references Carney's call for the world's middle powers to act collectively, delivered in a speech in Switzerland in January 2026, as a constructive example of Canadian international engagement.
Nivyabandi warned the Liberal government, which now holds a majority in the House of Commons, against deprioritizing human rights as it increases defence spending and pursues economic expansion while cutting budgets in other areas. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between economic and security objectives and the protection of the rights of marginalized groups.
The federal government has been contacted for a response to Amnesty International's findings and recommendations. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities facing Canada as it seeks to balance economic growth, resource development, and its commitments to Indigenous rights both domestically and on the international stage.