Mi’kmaw chiefs are condemning a decision by Progressive Conservative members of a provincial committee to block the inclusion of a Mi’kmaw representative at a meeting meant to set the agenda for future discussions on resource development.
What happened at the committee
At an agenda-setting session of the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday, all three legislative parties outlined suggested topics for six upcoming meetings. A list of witnesses proposed by the Progressive Conservatives included officials from provincial departments and industry and municipal organisations.
NDP MLA Susan LeBlanc moved to add a witness from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. The motion was supported by NDP and Liberal members but was defeated when the majority Progressive Conservative caucus voted against it.
"Hearing that provincial PC members voted against having us at the table is appalling," said Potlotek Chief Wilbert Marshall, the assembly's lead on the natural resource portfolio, in an email. "The law dictates our voice be included in any decision that could potentially impact our rights and title."
Why chiefs say inclusion matters
Chief Marshall and the Assembly argue the Mi’kmaq are co‑managers of the lands, waters and resources in Mi'kma'ki and must be involved in decisions about how those resources are used and developed. Their statement points to legal obligations the province has to consult when actions could affect Indigenous rights and title.
The chiefs have repeatedly called for more robust consultation since the provincial government signalled interest in expanding exploration and extraction for uranium, natural gas, critical minerals and new energy projects. Premier Tim Houston has been a prominent proponent of such development, prompting ongoing debate over consultation processes.
What the Progressive Conservatives proposed
At the meeting, PC MLA Damian Stoilov introduced the party's topics, including "supporting responsible resource development and advancing future‑ready sustainable communities," and proposed a witness list that did not include the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs.
| Party | Action on motion to add Mi’kmaw witness |
|---|---|
| Progressive Conservative | Voted against; maintained proposed witness list |
| NDP | Moved to add Mi’kmaw representative; supported motion |
| Liberal | Supported the motion |
Implications and reaction
Opposition members expressed surprise and disappointment. In an interview after the committee, Ms. LeBlanc said she was "shocked and disappointed" the motion failed, noting a constitutional requirement to include Mi’kmaw voices in discussions that could affect rights and title.
The dispute highlights tensions between the provincial government’s resource agenda and calls from Indigenous leaders for meaningful participation in decisions that affect their territories. With future meetings set to include ministers, industry representatives and municipal voices, Mi’kmaw leaders say excluding their assembly risks sidelining legally protected interests at the outset of policy discussions.
- Key players: Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, Potlotek Chief Wilbert Marshall, MLA Susan LeBlanc, MLA Damian Stoilov, Premier Tim Houston.
- Core issue: Whether Mi’kmaw representatives should be included as witnesses in a committee planning resource development discussions.
- Broader context: Ongoing calls for consultation amid provincial interest in expanding mineral and energy development.
As the committee proceeds to schedule the six meetings, the decision to exclude a Mi’kmaw representative remains a focal point for Indigenous leaders and opposition parties calling for consultation consistent with constitutional obligations.
