Carney says Ottawa’s Indian Act review might not end up abolishing the law

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says a process to review the Indian Act won’t necessarily lead to the controversial legislation’s termination.

The Indian Act gives Ottawa sweeping powers over First Nations communities and people, including the authority to determine who qualifies for recognition and what reserves can and can’t do.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called for the repeal of the Indian Act during a rare meeting of federal, provincial and First Nations leaders in Ottawa on Monday.

Carney, who said he was open to reforming or abolishing the act on Monday, says today that Ottawa’s process to determine the legislation’s future has no “fixed conclusion.”