Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed disappointment that senators did not start a recent meeting with a land acknowledgment. This occurred during the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade session on Thursday. Anand emphasized the importance of recognizing the traditional unceded territory of Indigenous peoples. "I note and wonder why we didn’t begin this session with a land acknowledgment, which is very important wherever we are, whenever we are speaking and gathering together on the traditional unceded territory of Indigenous peoples," she stated. "This is part of reconciliation."

Senate committee chair Sen. Peter Boehm responded by stating that there is no Senate rule or custom requiring land acknowledgments at committee meetings. He noted that in his five years as chair, he has not made such acknowledgments. "My views in support of national truth and reconciliation are well known as is my ongoing support for the rights of Indigenous peoples," Boehm said.

During the meeting, Anand discussed various topics, including Canada's focus on the Gulf regions, particularly the United Arab Emirates, for future economic diplomacy. She reaffirmed Canada's commitment to human rights amid concerns from some senators about the country's stance on the issue. Reports have indicated that the UAE is involved in fueling the civil war in Sudan.

Anand also mentioned that Canada plans to invest in the Arctic and collaborate with Indigenous peoples in that region. Later in the session, Sen. Duncan Wilson raised concerns about the government's approach to discussions with First Nations. "We’re talking about things before we’ve gone out and met with First Nations," he said. "If there’s one thing that we’ve learned over the last decade in reconciliation is we need to start the conversations with First Nations."

Wilson expressed worry that some communities might be excluded from important discussions. He referenced Bill C-5, which was approved in June, allowing the federal Cabinet to expedite major projects by designating them as "national interest" projects. The Chiefs of Ontario have criticized the bill, stating it was rushed and did not allow sufficient time for dialogue or engagement.

In response to Wilson, Anand highlighted the government's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Report and its associated commitments. It was during this exchange that she reiterated her concern about the absence of a land acknowledgment at the meeting. Anand's spokesperson later confirmed that the minister addressed the issue during the Senate meeting.