Carney tells Métis leaders Indigenous rights are 'at the core' of major projects law

Prime Minister Mark Carney told Métis leaders on Thursday their voices will be heard and rights respected as the Liberal government implements its legislation to fast-track major projects deemed to be in the national interest.

As he opened a small summit in Ottawa, Carney said for too long economic and public policy decisions were made without listening to Métis voices. But "we're listening now," he added.

"Respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples is at the core of the Building Canada Act. It's embedded in the law itself," Carney said inside the Centre for Geography and Exploration at 50 Sussex Drive, along the Ottawa River.

"This law requires meaningful consultation with Indigenous Peoples both in the process of determining which projects are in the national interest and in the deve