Carney to meet Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert on projects and conservation

Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with Coastal First Nations in Prince Rupert to discuss major projects and marine conservation, and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson will attend after a previously reported rocky start with the alliance.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is travelling to Prince Rupert, B.C., to meet with Coastal First Nations on Tuesday. He will be joined by Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson. The talks are to cover the federal government's major projects agenda and marine conservation. The meeting follows earlier tensions between Hodgson and the alliance of nine First Nations. Key points: - The meeting takes place in Prince Rupert and involves Prime Minister Mark Carney and Coastal First Nations. - Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson will attend after he did not meet the alliance before an agreement with Alberta was signed. - Hodgson apologized after a television remark that he could have met alliance members by video, which was reported as prompting criticism. - Carney and Coastal First Nations are expected to discuss the major projects agenda and how Indigenous communities can be included in those plans. - Coastal First Nations is described as working to protect the B.C. coastline and the Great Bear Rainforest and to ensure First Nations have a role in managing resources and waters. Summary: The meeting brings federal officials and the Coastal First Nations together to discuss projects and conservation and to address recent strains in relations with the Natural Resources minister. Undetermined at this time.