Ford apologizes for saying First Nations 'keep coming hat in hand' amid Bill 5 controversy
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is apologizing for remarks he made this week saying that First Nations cannot "keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government" for more money.
Ford said he apologized during a meeting Thursday with several dozen chiefs who are part of Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 First Nations in the province.
"I sincerely apologize for my words — not only if it hurt all the chiefs in that room, but all First Nations," Ford said.
"I get passionate because I want prosperity for their communities. I want prosperity for their children and their grandchildren."
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, who appeared alongside Ford at a news conference following the meeting, told reporters that the premier has "owned what he said" and "corrected himself" for the "hat in hand" comment.
Ford has also committed to working with First Nations as a good treaty partner, she said.
"While there are many other rightsholders in this province, our chiefs felt today that the apology was sincere," she said.
"We are looking at today as a new day going forward."
First Nations are livid with the province over the passage of Bill 5, which gives cabinet the power to suspend municipal and provincial laws for chosen projects through the creation of so-called special economic zones.
The designation of these zones is part of a new omnibus law that Ford's government says is designed to speed up the construction of large infrastructure projects, particularly mines.
Ford has said the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario will be declared the first such zone.
First Nations have said they want to be part of economic development, but they are outraged by the government's decision to proceed with legislation before consulting them.
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