Canada’s New PM Eyes “Energy Superpower” Vision, Indigenous Communities Wary

Recently elected Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Canada into a global “energy superpower,” accelerating both fossil fuel and critical minerals projects. Framing it as vital for economic sovereignty and trade leverage, Carney nonetheless promises compliance with Indigenous rights. That pledge is met with skepticism—some First Nations fear expansions in oil sands or mining could override their consent. Meanwhile, environmental advocates worry Canada’s climate targets will slip amid new pipeline and drilling approvals. Carney defends a dual approach: expand greener technologies too, but not at the expense of “vital resource industries.” This signals a shift from Justin Trudeau’s moderate stance to Carney’s more overt resource development push, setting the stage for heated battles over land rights and emissions.