Hub Podcasts Indigenous leaders and industry should set the terms for Canada's major projects
Sep 24, 2025
Karen Restoule, Director of Indigenous Affairs at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, advocates for Indigenous leaders to set the terms for major projects in Canada, emphasizing that trust, not speed, is crucial for success. Meanwhile, Kirk LaPointe discusses the intense drama surrounding John Rustad’s narrow escape from a leadership review in the BC Conservative Party, highlighting issues like disqualified memberships and internal conflicts. The conversation reveals the complex dynamics influencing both Indigenous partnerships and political maneuvers.
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Trust Trumps Ottawa Policy
- Canada's project success depends more on trust between Indigenous nations and industry than on flashy Ottawa policy.
- Where trust exists, projects move; without it, projects stall or fail.
Nisga'a LNG Example
- The Nisga'a Schlesheims LNG approval came after years of work and partnership, not as a gift from Ottawa.
- Nisga'a partnered with Rocky's LNG and Western LNG to present a joint project governments could quickly endorse.
Dissent Persists Despite Partnerships
- Even with strong partnerships, dissenting neighbouring nations can oppose projects on rights and environmental grounds.
- Valid concerns include salmon protection, climate targets, and lack of free, prior, and informed consent.