(Toronto, Ont.—June 5, 2025) First Nations Leadership across Ontario have expressed deep concern and frustration following the passage of Ontario’s Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.

The Chiefs of Ontario are expressing strong opposition to Ontario’s recently passed Bill 5, citing its failure to respect the constitutional and treaty rights of First Nations. The legislation, which fundamentally weakens environmental and cultural protections and reduces consultation requirements with First Nations, is a direct violation of the Government of Ontario’s obligations to uphold the honour of the Crown.

On Monday, June 2, 2025, hundreds of First Nation Leaders, community members, Knowledge Keepers and Youth gathered at Queen’s Park to protest the passing of Bill 5.

“Our Chiefs have made it clear that they fully reject Bill 5, and the Chiefs of Ontario stand by and defend the position of the Chiefs,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “First Nations rights holders must be at the table, and the Government must fulfill its constitutional and treaty obligations.”

“As our Leadership has made clear – the fight is not over. If needed, First Nations will meet the government with resistance, on the ground, and in the courts, to protect our inherent, Treaty, and constitutionally protected rights.

We have made every effort to work with this government and requested that Bill 5 be repealed, and that the process restart with First Nations directly involved. Instead, our requests have gone ignored, and Ontario has failed to adhere to the principles of meaningful consultation with First Nations, as required under Canadian constitutional law and numerous treaty agreements. The absence of such consultation underscores the government’s disregard for its responsibilities to First Nations as rights holders and partners.”

First Nations have been entirely sidestepped in this process, with their concerns not taken seriously, or by barring those from discussions who have questioned what the government is trying to do, as was seen with the removal of MPP Sol Mamakwa from the cabinet chamber during question period earlier this week.

“The actions of the Government of Ontario in passing Bill 5 without consultation demonstrate a fundamental disregard for the treaty and constitutional rights of First Nations. We cannot and will not accept legislation that bypasses our rights while putting our environment and cultural heritage at risk.

While we acknowledge the minor changes to the legislation in the inclusion of the duty to consult within the bill’s preamble, we are fully aware that this type of amendment is not legally binding or enforceable. First Nations have called for a full repeal, not token changes.

Our Nations are not against development by any means. However, bulldozing over our territories and pushing through legislation without our consent is not the way forward. Consultation with First Nations is not a barrier to development and must not be looked at as so. Ignoring it will only lead to costly delays and legal battles.”

The Chiefs of Ontario will continue to advocate on behalf of all First Nations in Ontario to ensure their voices are heard and respected in any decision-making processes that affect their lands, environment, and people.

“I call on Premier Doug Ford to come meet First Nations on our time to try and understand the real consequences this legislation will have on our Nations,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “We have invited him to attend our upcoming Annual Chiefs Assembly between June 17-19, 2025, to hear directly from our Leadership.”

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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