(Toronto, Ont.—April 29, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released the following statement congratulating Prime Minister Mark Carney and to new and returning Members of Parliament in the 45th General Election:

“I wish to extend my most sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney on a successful campaign and his election as Canada’s 25th prime minister.

This election marked a pivotal moment with serious implications. There is so much at stake with the ongoing trade and tariff war with the United States, as well as President Donald Trump’s ongoing threats of annexation. We stand in solidarity with the newly elected Canadian government in the fight to stand up for all Canadians and ensure that we embrace a united front on a nation-to-nation level.

In his victory speech and within his platform, Prime Minister Carney remarked upon his intentions to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are involved in important decisions and conversations surrounding nationwide prosperity, including within housing, skilled trades, and energy sectors. The Chiefs of Ontario and I look forward to this renewed partnership and will ensure that this next government is held accountable to these commitments.

Prime Minister Carney also spoke of confronting Canada’s dark past with Indigenous peoples during his victory speech. As First Nations look forward, it is exceedingly important that this government reconciles with the grave injustices historically committed against our peoples. I hope that this election presents a renewed focus on First Nations priorities and provides a chance for First Nations to be at the forefront of the matters that will undoubtedly impact us and our communities.

Of course, as a new Liberal government under Prime Minister Carney’s leadership gets underway, we reiterate to him, and to all elected members of Parliament, that Canada must uphold First Nations sovereignty and the principle of free, prior, and informed consent. Any decision-making process must reflect our inherent rights and responsibilities, and ought to be done with collaboration, reciprocity, and mutual respect at the top of mind.

I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Carney, his cabinet, and other elected members of Parliament as soon as possible to implement the priorities of First Nations in Ontario.”

 

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The Chiefs of Ontario support all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

 

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt

Communications Manager

Chiefs of Ontario

Mobile: 416-819-8184

Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org