Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon, committee members and fellow panellists.
My name is Peter Fleming, and I'm appearing today on behalf of the Manitoba Métis Federation, the national government of the Red River Métis, in my capacity as minister of natural resources.
Since the introduction and passage of the Building Canada Act, the national government of the Red River Métis has demonstrated its support for this legislation, which comes at a crucial time. The standing up of the Major Projects Office, supported by the knowledge and experience of an indigenous advisory council, is an important first step that builds trust in Canada as it invests in projects of national interest, but there is still much left to do.
As you will be aware, critical minerals are abundant across western Canada and in our Red River Métis homeland. There is no question that the Prairies form a powerhouse of critical minerals and have what the world needs. Key critical minerals, such as nickel, copper, platinum, zinc, graphite and lithium, are particularly plentiful in the northern regions of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
It is important to understand that Red River Métis are section 35 rights holders. Their inclusion in the development of critical minerals is non-negotiable from a rights perspective and, equally, in terms of environmental stewardship and economic participation. The exploration, extraction and movement of critical minerals within our Red River Métis homeland require improved efforts on the part of government and industry regarding our section 35 constitutionally protected rights, as well as environmental stewardship and mine rehabilitation planning and financing. Critical minerals provide Canada with the opportunity to meet record global demands for these commodities. However, as the federal government touts its technological know-how and strong environmental record, it continues to fall short in its recognition of section 35 rights holders and in its ability to maximize economic benefits for the Red River Métis and other indigenous peoples.
With the above said, there are examples of good practices under way.
The direct royalty agreement that the Red River Métis government signed with the Potash and Agri Development Corporation of Manitoba—known as PADCOM—in February of this year is a leading model of how recognition contributes to participation. Based on the Manitoba Métis Federation's relationship with PADCOM, we are now undertaking investment due diligence in the company and its projects, as well as in ancillary activities to support the extraction and movement of potash to tidewater.
Potash, a less discussed critical mineral but one necessary to help feed the world, is in abundance in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. To support the exporting of potash and other critical minerals to global markets, new and expanded trade corridors are required. The expansion and enhancement of the port of Churchill on Hudson Bay as a potential major project of national interest presents the opportunity for shorter, less congested and less costly shipping routes to allies and customers in Europe and elsewhere.
With the push for critical mineral development, there is concern that the focus on economic development will undermine the government's initiatives for indigenous reconciliation and disrupt the consultation process being conducted in a meaningful way. As stated in the independent auditor's report “The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy”, which was published in 2024, the government has just begun to develop a plan for ongoing indigenous engagement. The strategy as a whole lacks proper assessment criteria for measuring indigenous reconciliation, focusing on economic reconciliation through revenue sharing and job opportunities while ignoring important social aspects such as protecting significant cultural sites and improving the overall well-being of communities.
Thank you for inviting me to appear at the committee here today. I look forward to answering any questions you may have.