The Canadian government is cutting out meaningful public consultations and info access

Nothing illustrates the federal government’s approach to belittling public engagement better than its deliberate failure to meet the constitutional requirement to conduct prior consultation with its Indigenous partners on major projects.

Energy Minister Tim Hodgson told the Assembly of First Nations that prior consultations will be done on the already-proceeding major projects, but what he means is quick, superficial consultations that tick off that ‘requirement,’ writes Ken Rubin.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY KEN RUBIN

August 3, 2026

OTTAWA—Canada is becoming a less democratic place given its disregard for preserving its full history, its disrespect for full consultations—especially with its Indigenous partners—on major projects, and its contempt of the public by pushing to further break apart Cana...

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