OTTAWA - Several key federal cabinet ministers are set to address the Assembly of First Nations gathering in Ottawa today. Among them is Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne. However, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson and Defence Minister David McGuinty will not be attending, despite being previously scheduled to speak.

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak criticized Budget 2025, stating it did not provide sufficient infrastructure funding or educational resources for First Nations communities.

In addition to Champagne, Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty, and Northern Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand are expected to engage in a question-and-answer session with the chiefs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with the chiefs earlier this week, addressing their concerns regarding an agreement he signed with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. This agreement facilitates a pipeline project to British Columbia's coast. In response, the chiefs unanimously passed a resolution calling for the agreement's rescission and urged the federal government to maintain its tanker ban on the northern B.C. coast.

The gathering aims to address pressing issues facing Indigenous communities and to foster dialogue between government officials and First Nations leaders.