KPMG Webinar Highlights Indigenous Engagement as Critical to Canadian Infrastructure Delivery

Event summary

  • KPMG Canada is hosting a webinar on March 4, 2026, focused on Indigenous participation and financing in major Canadian infrastructure projects.
  • An internal KPMG survey revealed that 85% of business leaders are concerned about project delays and setbacks due to insufficient Indigenous consultation.
  • The webinar is the second in a series, following a session on Bill C-5 and preceding one on May 13, 2026, covering regulatory requirements.
  • Catherine Pennington, National Indigenous Advisory Services Leader at KPMG Canada, emphasizes the need for Indigenous communities to be treated as true partners.

The big picture

The webinar signals a growing recognition that Indigenous consultation is no longer a peripheral consideration but a core determinant of success for major infrastructure projects in Canada. This shift reflects increasing regulatory pressure and a heightened awareness of the financial and reputational risks associated with inadequate engagement. KPMG's proactive positioning on this issue suggests a broader trend among professional services firms to integrate Indigenous perspectives into their advisory offerings, potentially reshaping the landscape of infrastructure development.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The effectiveness of KPMG’s webinar series will hinge on translating policy changes like Bill C-5 into actionable strategies for project teams, and whether this can be achieved in a timely manner.
Financial Risk
The stated concern of 85% of business leaders suggests a significant financial risk premium is being factored into infrastructure project planning, and the webinar's success will depend on whether it can demonstrably reduce that premium.
Implementation Gap
The webinar’s focus on bridging the gap between federal policy and ‘shovel-ready reality’ indicates a persistent challenge in translating government mandates into practical on-the-ground action, and the long-term durability of partnerships will depend on addressing this.

Related topics

Financial Services