Kahnawà Raises Concerns Over Canada-Quebec Project Review Plan

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà has sent a letter opposing a draft agreement between Canada and Quebec that would streamline environmental and impact assessments for major projects.

The proposed framework is part of Ottawa's broader “one project, one review” strategy, which aims to reduce duplication between federal and provincial assessments while maintaining each government's legal responsibilities.

Kahnawà's objection adds an important Indigenous-government perspective to the debate, particularly as Ottawa seeks to accelerate major infrastructure and resource projects.

The federal government says its cooperation model is intended to make project approvals faster and more predictable while continuing to respect environmental requirements and constitutional obligations toward Indigenous Peoples.

However, Indigenous communities have raised concerns in previous consultations about the time available for consultation, protection of Indigenous rights, environmental stewardship and participation in major projects.

The disagreement could become politically significant as Ottawa pushes to accelerate nation-building projects and strengthen cooperation with provincial governments.

For the federal government, the challenge is balancing faster approvals with meaningful Indigenous participation.

The dispute also demonstrates that major-project policy is not simply an economic issue. It involves federal-provincial relations, environmental protection and the constitutional relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples.