Ontario’s controversial Bill 5 was specifically designed to fast-track major extractive projects in the north. This announcement has generated powerful outrage from First Nations leaders. Following an intense and unprecedented meeting between Chiefs of Ontario leadership and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, tensions erupted even further. Chiefs have threatened to establish blockades of their own if their issues are not adequately acknowledged. The proposed legislation has earned widespread criticism for failing to directly consult First Nations communities.
On Thursday, Abram Benedict, the Ontario Regional Chief representing all 133 First Nations in the province, met with Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rickford at Ford’s residence. After this discussion, provincial ministers promised they would look at improving Bill 5. They stopped short of pledging to kill the bill completely, a move that has many Indigenous leaders still feeling deeply unsatisfied.
Benedict was unequivocal in his dislike of the current version of Bill 5 calling it “unacceptable.” He raised consideration for having meaningful consultations with each individual First Nation. In doing so, he made a case for not defaulting to umbrella organizations such as the Chiefs of Ontario. His remarks reflect a strong current for teaching honor and appreciation of native sovereignty. They further demand that Indigenous peoples’ rights to defend their territories be respected.
“It infringes upon the rights, the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the communities in this region and that was essentially what the message was communicated to the premier,” – Abram Benedict
The discontent with Bill 5 is reminiscent of statements made during previous protests against government actions seen as eroding Indigenous rights. For leaders like Sol Mamakwa, the mood is one of great concern. They are worried that it might trigger a recurrence of the Idle No More movement in 2012, which led to widespread protests across the country in support of Indigenous rights and environmental protection.
Mamakwa noted that there have been discussions among community members in his riding of Kiiwetinoong regarding potential blockades of roads and mines. He asserted, “That’s the only way they’ll listen and right now, they’re not listening.” The sound you’re hearing is the intense urgency that many First Nations leaders are feeling. They say that the provincial government has not truly listened to what they have to say.
The youth involvement in the proposed TREATY Act has sparked mobilization within First Nations youth, as documented by Hannah Sewell. She stated, “First Nations youth are rising up across the province and we are here to step up to protect our lands, our languages, and assert our inherent rights.” This feeling is emblematic of a rising tide of Indigenous youth that is pushing for greater protections and recognition of their rights and lands.
Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Greg Rickford, was starting to feel the heat. He allowed that he would be open to amendments to Bill 5. He stated, “We’ve put some amendments forward and I know we’ll be meeting with First Nations leadership as early as today to give effect to those and go from there.” As encouraging as all the above is, many leaders are worried that these measures don’t do enough.
Alvin Fiddler, another prominent leader in the discussion, articulated a more radical stance, stating, “I think we’re beyond amendments, we’re beyond tinkering with this bill. They have to withdraw it, and we start over again.” His comments are part of a wider pattern of frustration from Indigenous leaders that the federal government isn’t listening, or taking seriously, their concerns.
As conversations on the bill move forward, Ontario Premier Doug Ford recognized the tricky balance that’s needed in the legislation and equally stressed the urgency for economic development. He remarked, “People want jobs, they want to create wealth and opportunity and prosperity.” This is a pretty terrible position to take. As development proceeds, many continue to call for development that does not sacrifice Indigenous Rights or Environmental Protections.
“A little over a decade ago, the government of Canada put forward an omnibus bill weakening environmental protections to speed up development,” – Abram Benedict
Benedict stressed that lessons from previous overstepping by the federal government should guide today’s policy discussions. He cautioned that if Indigenous input is not prioritized here, development will get bogged down and meet greater resistance from First Nations communities.
The atmosphere is still charged as First Nations leaders get ready to ramp up their direct action campaign to repeal Bill 5. Many have made it clear that they expect substantial changes to the proposed legislation or risk facing organized protests reminiscent of those seen during Idle No More.
