21.17°C Vancouver

Jul 11, 2024 7:11 PM - Connect Newsroom

Poilievre promises less interference, more economic control to Assembly of First Nations

Share On
poilievre-promises-less-interference-more-economic-control-to-assembly-of-first-nations
In December 2022, Poilievre addressed the assembly with a video message, which received boos from some people in attendance.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivered his first in-person address to the Assembly of First Nations on Thursday, pledging to reduce federal intervention and empower Indigenous communities to take control of their economic futures.

"I'm not here to control your lives. I don't want to control anyone's life," Poilievre stated. "I advocate for a small government that allows individuals to make their own choices and lead their own lives."

Acknowledging the expertise of the delegates, Poilievre emphasized that they understand their communities far better than Ottawa or himself, vowing to eliminate the "Ottawa knows best" mindset that he argues has resulted in harmful policies for First Nations.

"For too long, a flawed system has held you back, transferring power from you to politicians and bureaucrats in Ottawa," he said.

In December 2022, Poilievre addressed the assembly with a video message, which received boos from some people in attendance.

The Conservative Party has struggled to make inroads with Indigenous communities. Some delegates to the AFN meeting cited the legacy of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who led the Conservative Party for 11 years.

Latest news

BCSep 16, 2026

North Island College Campus Attack Leaves Two Injured

An attack at North Island College’s Comox Valley campus in British Columbia has left two people injured. Police said they received multiple reports of an attack involving a sharp weapon inside a college residence building at around 12:53 a.m. Front-line officers who arrived at the scene found two young people injured and arrested a suspect after identifying him. Comox Valley RCMP Constable Monica Terragni said the suspect is a 21-year-old man from Burnaby who remains in custody. The two injured victims were taken to hospital and are reportedly in stable condition. Police said the motive behi
BCSep 16, 2026

Man Stabbed During Fight Outside Downtown Vancouver Gas Station

A man was stabbed during a fight outside a gas station in downtown Vancouver on Tuesday night, police said. According to police, officers were called to the Esso gas station near Davie Street and Burrard Street at around 8:45 p.m. after receiving reports of a fight involving several people. The altercation escalated, and one man allegedly stabbed another. Sgt. Adam Donaldson said both men involved in the incident were still at the scene when officers arrived. One of them was found injured and was taken to hospital. Police said the victim’s injuries were not life-threatening. The suspect was
alberta-separation-could-cost-up-to-170b-in-first-five-years
FeaturedSep 16, 2026

Alberta Separation Could Cost Up to $170B in First Five Years

A new report commissioned by the Alberta government estimates that the cost of separating Alberta from Canada could reach $170 billion during the first five years. The report, prepared by the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, estimates the transition could cost at least $50 billion, with the upper-end estimate reaching $170 billion. The costs would include building new infrastructure, hiring and transitioning staff, and covering Alberta’s share of the federal debt. The report examines two possible scenarios for separation. One assumes a relatively smooth and cooperative tra
BCSep 16, 2026

Harbour Air to Acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines, Expanding B.C. Network

Harbour Air is set to expand its network in British Columbia after announcing an agreement to acquire Pacific Coastal Airlines. Under the deal, both airlines will continue to operate under their own brands and maintain separate identities. However, their combined fleet will grow to 59 aircraft. The newly formed regional airline group will connect 25 communities across B.C., operating nearly 300 flights a day and providing passengers with improved connectivity. According to reports, the two airlines together employ around 900 people in British Columbia. The companies will also remain Canadian-o
CanadaSep 16, 2026

Man Who Allegedly Threatened to Kill PM Mark Carney Identified

A 31-year-old Calgary man accused of making death threats against Prime Minister Mark Carney has been identified as Jamie Da Costa, who will remain in custody. During a court hearing, defence counsel said Da Costa was ordered to remain in custody earlier this month. As of Tuesday morning, he was being held at the Calgary Remand Centre. According to the RCMP, police were notified on July 28 that threats had been posted from a YouTube account. Court documents allege the incident occurred between July 25 and 26. In addition to the alleged death threat, Da Costa faces charges including extortion,

Related News