Area first nations want the province to stop moving Bill 5 forward and engage with them in meaningful consultation, consent, and accommodation.
The Anishinabek Nation says in its current form, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act proposes amendments to expedite development while overriding environmental protections and First Nation Inherent and Treaty rights.
“Our lands and resources are not for the province to sell, exploit, or regulate away as economic corridors, especially without our consent,” says Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige. “Not only have we always upheld our sacred responsibilities to the land and waters bestowed upon us by the Creator, but we have also always upheld our responsibilities and obligations as treaty partners. No government can legally legislate our inherent and treaty rights away.”
She adds as the rightful owners and caretakers of these lands, waters, and resources, the Anishinabek have never ceded ultimate title to the “colonial entity known as Ontario or any other colonial entity.”
When announcing the bill last month, the province said it would cut red tape and streamline approvals to speed up critical mineral and resource development projects, including in the Ring of Fire.
At the time, Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation said as part of their commitment to unlocking Ontario’s true economic and critical mineral potential, they’re ensuring First Nations communities are a central feature as full partners in achieving prosperity.
“Whether it’s building legacy infrastructure or investing in energy transmission opportunities, our progress is driven by real partnerships with First Nations and focuses on putting communities in a stronger position, now and for the future,” he said.
The Robinson Huron Chiefs are demanding Premier Doug Ford honour treaty commitments and ensure that First Nations consent is obtained for any decisions impacting their lands, rights, and futures.
“Ontario and Canada must remember treaty obligations and relationships remain in full legal force. They have never been extinguished. The province cannot unilaterally override Indigenous rights, especially without consent from First Nation leadership,” says Dean Sayers, spokesperson for the Robinson Huron Treaty Chiefs and member of the Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Political Working Group.
He adds they will not stand by while their rights are eroded.
“Premier Ford do not stir the hornet’s nest,” states Sayers. “This is not the Wild West. Ontario cannot act outside its own laws, or ours.”
They plan to attend public hearings, address the standing committee, spearhead rallies and take any action that may be required to halt Bill 5.
Earlier this month, second reading of the provincial bill was ‘carried on division’, meaning it passed with opposition.
It’s currently before the Standing Committee on the Interior.
