Ottawa, May 12, 2025 – “’Canada Strong’ cannot more forward without First Nations people”, is the key message behind Sen. PJ Prosper’s priority list for the first 100 days of Parliament.

Sen. Prosper was joined by National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Chief Leroy Denny, Chief Gerry Toney and members of various First Nations organizations to discuss their shared vision for progress on a “Canada Strong” strategy that is inclusive and continues to move Reconciliation with First Nations people forward.  This approach is consistent with the approach taken by the Senator in his Reconcili-ACTION report.

Senator Prosper lists 7 key priority points that include clear actions that can reasonably be taken in the first 100 days after Parliament resumes.  It outlines legislative and policy measures that can be undertaken to support areas the Prime Minister has identified as the new government’s priorities such as bolstering Canada’s economy and building much-needed housing.

These priorities were released ahead of the upcoming cabinet shuffle with the hope of influencing ministerial mandate letters and the upcoming budget.

The Senator is grateful to the National Chief, Nova Scotia Chiefs, and all organizations that helped to bring this priority list together.  It is a show of unity amongst First Nations peoples, eager to see progress on key issues and to contribute to a stronger, more prosperous and more self-sufficient Canada.

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“It’s important to me that I use my platform to support First Nations priorities.  I firmly believe that everything I’ve outlined in the list of priorities for the first 100 days of Parliament is achievable.  I’m hopeful that this document will be considered as the Government develops its mandates and the next budget.”

– Senator PJ Prosper (Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki)

“If FNFA could lend to SPVs with the support of a federal loan guarantee, First Nations of any size could seize access to affordable financing to participate in equity-based opportunities. We applaud the expanded mandate of Canada’s that has a focus on economic reconciliation, including an increase in the authority of the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation to support up to $10 billion in loans. FNFA calls on the federal government to support this next logical step, to amend the FMA to allow lending to SPVs.”

– Ernie Daniels, President & CEO, FNFA

“The recent dissolution of Parliament led to the lapse of Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act the introduction of which was required under the Settlement Agreement Canada signed with First Nations to resolve the ongoing crisis of unsafe water in their communities. It is critical that steps be taken urgently to reinstate Bill C-61 or to introduce equivalent legislation to ensure all First Nations have fully funded access to clean, safe water that meets specified quality and quantity standards.  Such legislation will protect the First Nations’ fundamental human right to clean water and empower them with the legal framework necessary to manage their water systems.”

– Kerry Black, FNAC

associated links

• Learn more about the Senator’s report, Reconcili-ACTION
• Read the AFN’s “Prosperity for All” 2025 Election Priorities Report
• Learn more about Special Purpose Vehicles here
• Learn more about One Bowl
• Information on the water legislation that died on the Order Paper can be found here
• DFO’s 2019 Reconciliation Strategy can be found here
• Learn more about Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk

For media inquiries:

Claudine Santos, Director of Parliamentary Affairs

Claudine.Santos@sen.parl.gc.ca/(m) 613.601.1184