Vote for the party that will protect First Nation rights, says head of northern Ontario treaty group

In parts of northeastern Ontario, including areas in or around Sudbury and Timmins, First Nation voters could help decide election outcomes, according to the Assembly of First Nations.

For Earl Commanda, executive director of Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin, a group that defends treaty rights in the area, this is all the more reason for Indigenous people to weigh their options carefully as they head to the polls next week.

"My advice to Indigenous voters is vote for the candidate you feel is going to protect and maintain that relationship we have with the federal government," said Commanda.

He says that, over the past decade of Liberal rule, the relationship between the Lake Huron Anishnaabek and the federal government was marked by a consequential legal battle over annuities, but also by a willingness to sit down together and negotiate a resolution.

"We've noticed this trend with the current federal government settling a lot of land claims and class action lawsuits," he said.

During their time in government, the Trudeau Liberals almost tripled investments in Indigenous communities, from over $11 billion in 2015 to $32 billion in 2024, according to Canada's Department of Finance. 

Commanda says there are still important gaps in infrastructure, housing and social services, and he's also concerned that key programs have been disrupted by recent changes in Jordan's Principle funding, but still – he wonders how a different party would approach spending on Indigenous priorities.

 "If it is a Conservative leadership, what will that mean for us?" 

In a bid to court First Nations voters, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre spoke to chiefs countrywide in a forum organized by the Assembly of First Nations earlier this week. 

"I think First Nations can be the richest people in the entire world," he said.

"Conservatives will get the government out of the way so First Nations are no longer denied the wealth and opportunity that is their birthright." 

He shared different ideas to create economic prosperity for Indigenous people, including financial incentives like a refundable tax credit for companies who enter into agreements with First Nations to develop resources like mining or natural gas. 

Other Conservative promises include introducing an optional First Nations Resource Charge, creating a new Indigenous Opportunities Corporation and creating an Indigenous Outcomes Fund.

But Commanda isn't sold on this.