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OPINION: ‘Cows and plows’ settlement over a broken Indigenous treaty shows the urgent need for more transparent governance

Members of the Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve (TTR) in Manitoba recently voted to ratify the Treaty 4 Agricultural Benefits Settlement Agreement. This cows-and-plows settlement is a step toward rectifying historical wrongs. The process has also highlighted several ongoing governing challenges. This includes exposing a flawed Crown/Indigenous consultation process as well as the need for trust-building with Indigenous leadership.



Heath MacDonald, left, is sworn in as federal agriculture minister at Rideau Hall in Ottawa May 13. Photo: Reuters

Carney’s mandate letter makes no mention of agriculture or food

Some industry members see opportunity in a drive for economic growth; others wish the government would make specific commitments

Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent mandate letter made no mention of agriculture or food, instead focusing on economic issues and Canadian sovereignty. Some in the Canadian agriculture industry see potential for action while others wish for explicit commitments.