Avi Lewis, a candidate for the leadership of the New Democratic Party (NDP), has raised serious concerns about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment to prioritize large-scale infrastructure projects. During a recent French-language debate, Lewis described these initiatives as potential conduits for violence, particularly against Indigenous women and girls.

Lewis characterized the proposed projects as "big, manly things with huge work camps entailed in remote areas." He emphasized the severe impacts these developments could have, stating, "The impacts on Indigenous women and girls are intense, are horrifying." This perspective, while controversial, reflects a growing sentiment among some activist groups who argue that such infrastructure projects lead to increased violence.

Critics of pipeline construction have long claimed that these projects contribute to a rise in violence against Indigenous communities. In 2020, opponents of the Coastal GasLink pipeline in British Columbia sought legal action to halt the project, citing concerns about the creation of "man camps" that could pose dangers to local populations. A statement from one of the legal action's sponsors highlighted the broader societal concerns regarding violence against Indigenous women.

Organizations like Stand.Earth have also voiced opposition to major oil and gas developments, linking the presence of work camps to threats against First Nations' safety. A 2020 report from the group noted that activists were already blockading a man camp associated with the Trans Mountain Expansion project, underscoring the perceived risks.

The term "man camps" has become a focal point in anti-pipeline campaigns, with Amnesty International noting in a 2024 statement that pipeline construction is often linked to increased rates of sexual and gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. The organization has also criticized the heightened police presence around these work sites, arguing that it could lead to further harassment and violence against vulnerable community members.

Supporters of this viewpoint often reference the 2019 final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This report described the disproportionately high murder rates among Indigenous women as a form of genocide perpetrated by the Canadian government. It also highlighted the role of the resource industry in contributing to what it termed "extractive violence" in Indigenous communities.

The inquiry specifically pointed to the dangers posed by man camps, linking them to various issues, including sexual harassment, domestic violence, and the increased risk of Indigenous women going missing or being murdered. To support these claims, the report cited two significant studies. One was a 2017 report from Colorado’s American Indian Law Clinic, which examined the impact of the shale oil boom on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. It noted a rise in violent crime and a general sense of insecurity among residents.

The second study, funded by the B.C. Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation in 2017, aimed to analyze the gendered impacts of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project. Together, these reports have fueled ongoing debates about the implications of resource development on Indigenous communities and the safety of women in those areas.

As the discussion continues, Lewis's comments highlight a critical intersection of environmental activism, Indigenous rights, and public safety in the context of Canada's resource development policies.