Canada indigenous land debate will resume post-COVID

Significance

The deal matters for indigenous Canadians’ jurisdiction over land; the pipeline, in northern British Columbia, had provoked damaging economic blockades and political protests across Canada. While COVID-19 has diverted the narrative, the issue will return.

Impacts

• Provincial governments will see reduced revenues from resource royalties.
• Canada’s competitors in resource industries will benefit from any disruption in Canadian exports.
• Increased political activism by indigenous Canadians could create a backlash from non-indigenous Canadians.