Pathways to Progress: Chiefs of Ontario’s Federal Priorities for 2025 and the Future of Economic Reconciliation Amid Trade Wars

(Toronto, Ont. – March 18, 2025) As the likelihood of an imminent 2025 federal election increases, the Chiefs of Ontario are calling on federal leaders to prioritize policies that honour First Nations rights and foster collaborative solutions grounded in the spirit of reconciliation.

“Ontario is home to the largest First Nations population in Canada. The decisions of the next federal government will have long term impacts on our lands, rights, and futures. First Nations must be at the forefront of shaping these policies,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.

“Economic reconciliation is essential to the future of our Peoples and Nations. As global trade tensions continue to disrupt Canadian markets, First Nations must be included as partners in Canada’s path toward economic resiliency. We are committed to achieving prosperity alongside all Canadians, through a true nation-to-nation relationship built on respect, collaboration, and reciprocity.”

Pathways to Progress is an advocacy report structured around six key areas:

1. Upholding Treaty Rights, Strengthening First Nations Laws, and Respecting 2S+ and Women’s Voices
2. Creating Prosperous Nations: Economic Strength and Environmental Responsibility for First Nations
3. Safe Homes, Clean Water: Building Healthy and Resilient First Nation Communities
4. Advancing Child Welfare, Health Equity, Education, and Languages for First Nations
5. First Nation Data Sovereignty and Governance
6. Restoring Mobility, Honoring Rights: First Nations Sovereignty Across Borders

To access the full report, Pathways to Progress: First Nations Priorities for Federal Policy Reform, click here.

The commitments outlined in the document will serve as a pathway toward a future where First Nations and Canada can best work together in true partnership on priorities that are most certainly shared with all political parties seeking to guide the country through these unprecedented times and for generations to come.

“Under rapidly changing global circumstances, the future of Canada’s resilience depends on building an economy and a society that is robust, resilient and united. Now, more than ever, is the time for our collective strength to be recognized and leveraged to benefit all Canadians,” said Ontario Regional Chief Benedict.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contact:
Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184 Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

Declan Keogh
Communications Officer
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: 416-522-4518 Email: declan.keogh@coo.org

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