YG Goes To Ottawa
Written by Rose Aday, Communications Coordinator
President Charles McCarthy, along with Intergovernmental Affairs Analyst Sophie Gonthier and Engagement Coordinator Robyn Jin, traveled to Ottawa, Ontario to take part in the Land Claims Agreements Coalition (LCAC) and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments (SGIG) lobbying efforts in October 2024.
In Canada, lobbying is when a consultant lobbyist or an in-house lobbyist communicate with public office holders, like the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, regarding:
- Making, developing or amending federal legislative items including bills, policies or programs.
- How federal grants, contributions, other financial benefits and federal government contracts are awarded.
For consultant lobbyists, lobbying can also be defined as arranging a meeting between a public officer holder and any other person. Consultant lobbyists work can be self-employed or work for a firm specializing in government relations, law, or strategic advice. They are either paid to communicate with public office holders on behalf of their clients or arrange meetings between the client and the public office holders.
The Land Claims Agreements Coalition and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments utilized consultants from different firms to lobby for the two coalitions. The Land Claims Agreements Coalition works to ensure that modern treaties (or comprehensive land claims), including the Maa-nulth Treaty, and associated self-government agreements are fully implemented and respected by all parties.
The Land Claims Agreements Coalition lobbied for the implementation of a Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation as detailed in Bill C-77, which is currently awaiting a second reading in the House of Commons, and implementation of Bill S-13, An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act.
Bill S-13 received Royal Assent on November 27, 2024, adding a standardized non-derogation clause to the federal Interpretation Act. In simple terms, the amendment means that all federal laws must be interpreted as upholding, not diminishing, Indigenous peoples’ rights and treaty rights.
The Self-Governing Indigenous Governments coalition met with public office holders to discuss funding for Indigenous languages, First Nations’ infrastructure, and lands and resources. Challenging political dynamics in parliament leading up to the next federal election, which will occur on or before Monday, October 20, 2025, has affected the Self-Governing Indigenous Governments’ progress. The coalition is hopeful that further lobbying to federal Ministers will achieve cabinet approval on fiscal matters related to modern treaty nation rights before the potential change in government.
Since the trip to Ottawa consistent efforts to continue have taken place. Robyn Jin stated, “We have sent follow up letters, scheduled follow up zoom meetings, and are doing as much as we can to stay in contact with MPs and government officials to keep our priorities living and top of mind.”
Despite the possibility of having to start over if an early election is called, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government had some major successes during the trip to Ottawa. Most notably, President McCarthy was a speaker in the two highest profile meetings of the trip, with the Prime Ministers Office and with Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Gary Anandasangaree.
Jin shared, “The President spoke very well and the lobbying effort gained full support from the Liberals, NDP, and the Bloc.” Months of careful preparation and strong support staff resulted in a successful trip and further cements Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government as a powerful participant in government-to-government dialogues.
