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Doug Ford Says He Hopes some First Nations Will Come to Support Controversial Mining Bill
- Ontario's government is currently reviewing Bill 5, an omnibus legislation aimed at boosting the economy by establishing special economic zones where certain provincial and municipal regulations would be temporarily lifted, including in areas such as the Ring of Fire, starting May 22, 2025.
- The bill aims to reduce red tape and accelerate resource development but faces criticism for undermining environmental protections and failing to adequately consult First Nations, with the province denying these consultation shortcomings.
- Critics, including Richard Witham and Anishinabek leaders, highlight that the legislation grants the government unilateral control over special economic zones without public input and threatens treaty rights and environmental safeguards.
- Witham expressed concern that decisions could be made independently without any involvement or feedback from the public or legislative bodies, while McLeod cautioned that the bill greatly raises the risk of disputes arising with Anishinabek First Nations.
- The bill passed its second reading 70-43 but faces ongoing opposition and calls for a pause from First Nations and advocacy groups until meaningful consultations occur to address their concerns and impacts.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Global News
Ontario insists it will consult with First Nations on controversial mining bill
Ontario says it will consult First Nations on Bill 5, which would suspend provincial and municipal laws in areas it designates as so-called special economic zones.
Bill 5 doesn’t reduce red tape, it guts protections, stewards say
Watershed stewards throughout the province are firing back against Bill 5, 'Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act’, accusing the government of trying to eliminate protections for people and the environment to benefit business interests
Doug Ford government touts $3B for Indigenous loans a day before hearings on the controversial bill fast-tracking mining projects
With legislative hearings on Bill 5, the "Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act," beginning Thursday at Queen's Park, Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservatives appear mindful it is contentious.
Letter: Does the rule of law even matter?
The premier is at it again. Our province has introduced the new omnibus Bill 5, called the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.” Bill 5 gives the premier, cabinet, and their trusted proponents (Friends? Developers?) over-reaching authority over communities to do what they want in any place at any time and for any reason they decide. This certainly does not sound democratic or legal, nor does it involve consultation with residents in t…
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