Twenty-five years after Walkerton, a water crisis persists (Toronto, Ont.–May 20, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the Walkerton water crisis: “The Walkerton water crisis was a preventable tragedy. We remember and honour those who died or became ill. This horrific event has had a profound
(Toronto, Ont.–May 12, 2025) Today, the Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with the First Nations policed under the Ontario First Nations Police Agreement (OFNPA), are releasing a report highlighting the dire situation faced by First Nations officers in Ontario and the urgent need for increased resources to support their mental health. The study surveyed the
(May 9, 2025–Toronto, Ont.) On Monday, May 12, the Chiefs of Ontario, in partnership with the First Nations policed under the Ontario First Nations Police Agreement, will unveil the results of a first-of-its kind study that highlights the urgent need for increased resources to support the mental health of First Nations officers in Ontario. Independent
(Toronto, Ont.–April 23, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement on the urgent need to renew commitments to residential school Survivors: As the federal election enters its final week, the Chiefs of Ontario are calling on the next government to support Survivors, their families and First Nations in their decades-long journeys to
(Toronto, Ont.–April 22, 2025) The Chiefs of Ontario have issued the following statement in response to Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, tabled last week by the Ontario government: The Ontario government tabled new legislation last week aimed at speeding up mining and infrastructure development in the province. The Protect Ontario by Unleashing
(Toronto, Ont.–March 22, 2025) On World Water Day, and with a federal election looming, First Nations Leadership in the Ontario region are calling on the next federal government to enact Bill C-61: First Nations Clean Water Act. “Every year on this day, the world is reminded of the importance of water. It is the very
(Toronto, Ont.–March 19, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released a statement in response to remarks provided earlier today by Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre that, if elected, his government will “unlock” the Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario by green lighting all federal permits within six months. This morning during
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 28, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has issued the following statement following Ontario’s 2025 election: “Yesterday, Ontarians cast their ballots and elected Doug Ford as premier for the third time. I congratulate Premier Ford on his win and look forward to our continued work together. Now is a time for us to
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 27, 2025) On March 3, 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a hybrid media event to discuss collaboration between First Nations and the mining sector during the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC). Ontario is home to many of the critical resources in Canada. It is also home to
(Toronto, Ont.–Feb. 26, 2025) Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict congratulates Francis Verreault-Paul on his election as the Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL). His election marks a significant moment as he takes on the critical role of representing the voices and interests of First Nations communities within the
