Bill 5 Threatens Indigenous Rights, Ignores Their Concerns, Say Leaders. 

Politicians and Indigenous leaders are raising concerns about the lack of consultation on the passage of the controversial Bill 5. 

Bill 5, or the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, came into effect last Thursday. 

The law grants Doug Ford’s government the power to override provincial and municipal regulations for selected projects in areas it deems economically essential. 

It will bring about significant changes to Ontario’s laws regarding endangered species and environmental protection. 

Ford says the law will expedite mining projects, along with other significant projects, as Canada faces a challenging trade war with the US. 

Previously, the premier has stated that the Ring of Fire mineral deposit in northern Ontario, along with his proposed tunnel under Highway 401, would be granted special status under the law. 

However, Indigenous leaders and Liberal and NDP politicians strongly criticize the move. 

First Nations say the bill is a violation of their rights and ignores their concerns. 

Bahira Abdulsalam, who ran as an MPP for Don Valley West, calls the law more dangerous than Bill 21. 

The day Bill 5 was passed in the Legislature, Mike Schreiner, Ontario Green Party Leader, said, “It is a sad day for Ontario.”

Oneida Nation of the Thames Chief Todd Cornelius stated in a written statement that the law violates signed provisions that mandate consultations with Indigenous groups.