Not only are they demanding payment for any future infrastructure projects, but nearly a billion dollars up front just to figure out what those payments might be. They’re like a contractor who charges you to develop an estimate or a realtor who demands a commission prior to a sale.
In her opening remarks, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak pointed to provincial bills that also seek to fast-track major projects. She praised chiefs in B.C., Quebec and Alberta for standing up for their rights and territories by pushing back against provincial governments.
The assembly recently put forth a pre-budget submission to the federal government recommending $800 million over the next two years to support a First Nations review of national interest projects.