(Toronto, Ont.—May 22, 2025) On May 26, 2025, the Chiefs of Ontario will hold a media event to express First Nations’ concerns and opposition to Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.

At 9 a.m. ET, Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict will deliver a verbal submission to the Standing Committee on the Interior as they conduct their study on Bill 5. The livestream can be viewed here: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/video/committees-room-1

Following the committee presentation, First Nations Leadership and a representative from the Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC) will hold a press conference to outline how Bill 5 undermines the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate and disregards First Nations’ right to free, prior and informed consent

Speakers include:

  • Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, Chiefs of Ontario
  • Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
  • Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, Anishinabek Nation
  • Grand Chief Joel Abram, Association Of Iroquois & Allied Indians
  • Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier, Temagami First Nation
  • Hanna Sewell, Co-Chair, Ontario First Nations Young Peoples Council (OFNYPC)

Additional speakers to be confirmed.

Members of the media are cordially invited to attend as follows:

• Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
• Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
• Location: Media Studio, Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON
• Livestream: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/video/media-studio

Speakers will be available to answer questions from the media following their remarks.

Media Accreditation:
Accreditation is required for in-person attendance. To request access, please contact pressgallery@ola.org

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

Media Contacts:

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

Declan Keogh (on-site contact)
Strategic Advocacy Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Mobile: (416) 522-4518
Email: declan.keogh@coo.org