(Toronto, Ont.–May 26, 2025) First Nations Leadership from across Ontario gathered at Queen’s Park today to voice their opposition to the Ford government’s omnibus Bill 5, warning that it threatens inherent rights, Treaty obligations and sovereignty.

They are calling on the province to immediately halt the legislative process for the bill until meaningful consultation with First Nations occurs. Failure to do so, they say, could spark “conflict” both on the ground and in the courts.

“First Nations across Ontario are deeply troubled by what the government is proposing through this bill,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “We’ve seen Leadership stand up strong in a united opposition to what they see as a direct threat to their Nations, lands, jurisdiction and sovereignty.”

The bill, otherwise known as the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, would change several foundational laws, including the Ontario Heritage Act, the Mining Act, the Endangered Species Act, among others. It would also enact a new Special Economic Zones Act.

While the province frames the legislation as a response to global economic pressures, First Nations say the real threat lies in its attack on their lands, rights, and legal agreements with the Crown.

“This legislation would open the door to fundamentally change a host of crucial rules in this province, from environmental assessments and protections for species at risk, to mining consultations and the identification of sacred sites and burial grounds,” said Temagami First Nation Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier. “Just like you can’t replant a tree once you rip out its roots, you can’t get your rights back once you give them up.”

One of the most alarming changes is the provision allowing cabinet to make regulatory changes behind closed doors through the Lieutenant General, bypassing legislative transparency and public oversight. Legal experts say this would be unconstitutional and First Nations say it is a direct threat to their inherent and Treaty rights and responsibilities.

“We all know that sunlight is the best disinfectant, but this government is trying to move in the shadows. They may believe they’re acting in the public interest, but it’s hard to trust what’s happening when it’s done in secrecy,” said Chief Moore-Frappier. “We need transparency. It’s the government’s legal duty to inform us when and how something could affect our territories and rights. And that’s what we’re asking for.”

The bill also proposes to alter how the province protects, monitors and defines species at risk, granting the Lieutenant General the authority to unilaterally define which species are protected with economic interests favored into the decision-making.

“Nishnawbe Aski Nation Leadership has issued a strong mandate that this bill be rejected in its entirety,” said Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Nishnawbe Aski Nation. “As our Treaty partner, Ontario’s conduct has been anything but honorable throughout this process. Introducing this bill is an assault on our rights, our Treaties and our lands.”

Another provision drawing deep concern is the creation of “special economic zones” in areas deemed of “critical or strategic importance” to Ontario’s economy and security. These would be rule-free zones where any provincial or municipal law, by-law, regulations would not apply. It remains to be seen which areas would receive this designation and how they could be impacted, but it is widely understood that roughly 5,000 square kilometres of the mineral-dense Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario will be among the first.

“Leadership has called for an immediate meeting to be held in good faith between the premier and the Treaty rightsholders,” said Grand Chief Fiddler. “This is where the process needs to begin, not end. I urge everyone who is watching this unfold in Ontario to take note on how we will not accept our rights being threatened. Our people are prepared to take action. If this bill passes, it will not be the end of the fight. It will be the beginning.”

Protection and assessments for archaeological and cultural heritage sites are also slated to change. While some of the changes could prove to be positive—such as increased investigative powers and making it easier for First Nations to take possession of cultural materials—the legislation would also give cabinet the power to apply blanket exemptions to archaeology laws and regulations.

“We have lived on these lands since time immemorial. Our cultures, our heritage, our Ancestors are everywhere. But we don’t always know exactly where they are. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that there are strong rules to protect sites before they are disturbed,” said Chief Moore-Frappier. “We owe it to ourselves, our Ancestors and our future generations to do everything we can to honour and preserve our heritage. It’s among the most sacred responsibilities that we have—and this legislation could completely upend that work.”

Youth leaders are also raising concerns about being shut out of the conversation, despite being among those most impacted by the changes.

“As youth, we are too often left out of these conversations, but we are the ones who will live with the consequences,” said Hanna Sewell, co-chair of the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council. “Bill 5 moves us backwards. It puts short-term economic interests ahead of long-term survival of our species, our languages, our waters and our Nations.”

Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of Anishnabek Nation also issued a clear warning.

Ontario is trying to legislate us out of these conversations. That won’t work. First Nations have always protected these lands, and we will continue to do so. We will not stand idly by while our rights are ignored, our lands are targeted, and our Treaties are not upheld. We ask that Ontario start over—repeal this bill and work with us to create something that will allow us to ensure our economies thrive in a way that is respectful to our Nations and upholds the honour of the Crown including duty to consult.”

“First Nations are not against development. We want healthy, prosperous communities, too. But we need to balance that with the needs of the environment and our inherent rights and responsibilities,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “There is no way for First Nations to meaningfully engage with the government on this legislation in the time that they’re pushing this through. That’s why we’re calling on the government to hit the pause button until that happens.”

-30-

The Chiefs of Ontario support all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

Declan Keogh

Strategic Advocacy Manager

Chiefs of Ontario

Mobile: (416) 522-4518

Email: declan.keogh@coo.org