Today in Kitimat, MP Ellis Ross spoke at the Nation2Nation forum about nation-building and the role of Bill C-5. Ross reflected on his community’s journey from a time of little support to a focus on strategic economic growth.
He highlighted projects like forestry, mining, land acquisitions, and residential developments that strengthen both the community and the wider region.
Ross emphasized that nation-building isn’t new for First Nations. He pointed to Alberta bands that, after years of economic development, reinvested their gains into community programs, members, and local infrastructure, showing how strategic initiatives can create long-term benefits.
Turning to Bill C-5, Ross said he found it hard to grasp the bill’s fundamentals, even after debating it in the House.
He noted Conservative amendments that included impact assessments and provincial involvement but criticized the process as overly complex, highlighting the Canadian Impact Assessment as a lengthy and difficult-to-navigate example.
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