Doug Ford says he treats First Nations ‘like gold' but they ‘keep coming hat in hand'
TORONTO - Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is willing to give First Nations what they want for their support in developing mines, but they cannot 'keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government' for more money.
Ford is set to meet Thursday with several dozen chiefs who are part of Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 First Nations in the province.
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.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
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.
Ford has repeatedly said that First Nation treaty rights will be respected and the government will fulfil its duty to consult them through a series of meetings this summer.
'This is like handing an opportunity on a silver platter to First Nations that, by the way, I have treated like gold,' Ford said Wednesday at an unrelated news conference.
As proof of his government's good will, Ford pointed to the province's $3 billion Indigenous financing program for loan guarantees to allow First Nations to become owners in big infrastructure projects, as well as $70 million to train Indigenous workers for jobs in construction, development and mining.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
'When I first came into office, I told Minister (Greg) Rickford, 'Treat them well, give them what they need, whatever they want for them to prosper.' But there's going to be a point that you can't just keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government, you've got to be able to take care of yourselves,' Ford said.
'And when you literally have gold mines, nickel mines, every type of critical mineral that the world wants, and you're saying, 'No, no, I don't want to touch that, by the way, give me money' — not going to happen.'
Sol Mamakwa, the New Democrat who represents the Ring of Fire region and the lone First Nation member of the Ontario legislature, called out Ford's remarks.
'The premier's remarks today were deeply offensive and racist,' he said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
'Today's remarks prove that the premier has a fundamental lack of understanding of Ontario's treaty relationship with First Nations.'
Mamakwa urged Ford to repeal the bill, which was only passed into law two weeks ago.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
'He is trying to create divisions in our province and is taking us back,' Mamakwa said.
'This premier has made it clear that he won't bring people together, uphold the honour of the Crown and obtain free, prior, and informed consent.'
Ford's office issued a statement later on Wednesday saying the premier 'looks forward' to his discussions with First Nations.
'The premier expressed his desire to work with First Nations leaders to achieve self determination and economic reconciliation for their communities,' spokeswoman Grace Lee said.
'He looks forward to moving these discussions forward tomorrow.'
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
42 minutes ago
- CBC
First Nations urge Governor General to delay — or even reject — Bill C-5
Social Sharing The Assembly of First Nations national chief is among a chorus of First Nations leaders urging Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to intervene in the federal government's major projects legislation being "rammed through" Parliament. "First Nations are united," said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. "They want prosperity, but they don't want it at the expense of our rights." Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, will likely pass in the House of Commons on Friday with support from the Conservatives. Some First Nations leaders say that shouldn't happen until Simon, the first Indigenous person appointed to the role, addresses their concerns. "She is the Crown representative and I think she should be involved," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, who represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario. "I'm hoping she's paying attention to what's happening here so that she can think about intervening." WATCH | 'It's her responsibility to hear us': Grand chief wants Governor General to 'think about intervening' in Bill C-5's passage 2 hours ago Duration 0:38 The federal government says Bill C-5 will strengthen Canada's economy, as the country fights a trade war and tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The first part of the legislation aims to eliminate all remaining federal barriers to domestic free trade, which is something Prime Minister Mark Carney promised by Canada Day. The second would grant sweeping powers to the government to speed up approvals for infrastructure and energy projects deemed in the national interest. 'Not a good way to start' Woodhouse Nepinak said some First Nations fear the bill will allow the government to trample treaty rights and override environmental assessments. C-5 says the government must consult Indigenous people whose rights may be adversely affected by a fast-tracked project. But it also allows cabinet to overrule any act of Parliament for certain major projects. The AFN national chief is calling for Simon to step in, and for the bill to be split so First Nations can have more time to review the major projects section. "Things are being rammed through and that's not a good way to start a new government, a new relationship," she said. The Governor General's office told CBC News that since C-5 is still moving through Parliament, it is not yet under consideration for royal assent. "All questions on legislation in development should be directed to government," said Rideau Hall spokesperson Marilyne Guèvremont. The bill was moving through the House of Commons committee stage on Wednesday. "Proponents who don't engage with Indigenous people before bringing their projects forward for consideration under this legislation will be given a lower evaluation," Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty told the House transport, infrastructure and communities committee. "We'll be looking for projects that have Indigenous support and, even better, Indigenous equity." Sol Mamakwa, NDP MPP for Kiiwetinoong in northwestern Ontario, said First Nations have heard promises before — only to see them broken. He wants Simon to refuse giving the legislation royal assent. "[Governments] think it's their land. But it's our land," said Mamakwa, member of Kingfisher Lake First Nation. "We're supposed to share the benefits." Avoiding a constitutional crisis Eric Adams, professor of law at the University of Alberta, said Simon can't intervene in legislation without triggering a constitutional crisis. But Adams said she can listen to First Nations' concerns. "She can be a conduit for conversations," he said. "She can sometimes give some quiet advice to the prime minister behind closed doors." He said that advice must be delivered without "looking like she's taking particular sides or that she's acting inappropriately in a political manner." WATCH | Can C-5 bring economic reconciliation?: What First Nations want to see before major projects bill proceeds 2 hours ago Duration 1:09 "But her office is not meant to be a turret in a castle high on the hill," Adams said. "She's meant to be available for Canadians to meet with and to consult. So she has to walk that line carefully." He said the courts are a more appropriate venue to contest C-5. "The Governor General is not the place," Adams said. Major projects bill is about 'enhancing economic opportunity': Kody Blois | Power & Politics 10 hours ago Duration 9:27 Parliamentary secretary to the prime minister Kody Blois tells Power & Politics Bill C-5, the major projects legislation the government wants to fast-track through the House of Commons by Friday, is 'not about short cuts,' will uphold Indigenous rights and will enhance 'economic opportunity for all Canadians.' The bill also contains provisions to remove domestic trade barriers. Ontario First Nations chiefs organized a demonstration on Parliament Hill Tuesday against the proposed legislation. Scott McLeod, Lake Huron regional chief of the Anishinabek Nation, is vowing more action. "I think what we're going to see from today on is a grassroots movement that they can't ignore," said McLeod. "First Nations have the ability to shut down the economy.… we're going to fight." When asked if the resistance to Bill C-5 could turn into a movement like Idle No More in 2012 — which triggered countrywide protests including road and rail blockades — McLeod said: "I believe it already is."
Toronto Star
an hour ago
- Toronto Star
Ontarians have just lost core democratic protections — and few realize it
Shortly after 4 p.m. on June 4, Ontario took a sharp turn away from democracy. That's when Bill 5, ironically titled the 'Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act,' became law. Marketed as a way to protect jobs and respond to Trump -era tariffs, this legislation quietly hands Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet sweeping new powers. In a paradoxical twist, the premier has adopted elements of the Trump playbook — consolidating power, overriding laws and sidelining oversight — all while claiming to be protecting Ontario from Trump-style politics. Let's be clear: no one is claiming that Premier Ford is Trump. But Bill 5 echoes tactics associated with Trumpism — the centralization of authority, the bypassing of laws and norms, and the creation of opaque zones of exception. These are not just procedural changes. They represent a profound shift in how power operates in Ontario. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Contributors Opinion Doug Ford wants to create rules-free zones in Ontario. We shouldn't let him Mike Schreiner, Contributor Most Ontarians likely haven't heard much about Bill 5 — thanks to slick messaging from the premier's office. The limited coverage has mostly focused on opposition from First Nations leaders. But behind that, something more fundamental has changed. Ontarians have just lost core democratic protections — and few realize it. Here's what the bill actually does: it lets the premier designate any piece of land in Ontario a 'special economic zone.' Inside that zone, Ford and his cabinet can override any provincial law — environmental, labour, planning — you name it. They can then invite businesses to operate on terms they alone define. In effect, cabinet gets to pick which laws apply, to whom and where. That's not red tape reduction. That's rule-of-law suspension. Ford insists the bill is a necessary economic weapon against U.S. protectionism. He claims that cutting through bureaucracy will boost investment and jobs. But let's be honest: this isn't just about economic competitiveness. It's about centralizing power and removing constraints. And while regulatory systems often need reform, wholesale demolition isn't the answer. Improving laws is one thing; giving cabinet the power to selectively discard them is something else entirely. Until June 4, Ontario had a system designed to ensure no one — not even the premier — was above the law. Our legal frameworks were meant to apply equally. But with Bill 5, that principle is shattered. The premier now has the tools to govern by exception. What could go wrong? Consider this: a politically connected developer wants to build on environmentally sensitive land. Community members oppose it. Laws protect it. But now, the premier can designate it a 'special economic zone,' sidestep those laws and green light the project. There is no public appeal. No independent review. Or worse: suppose the government wants to target an individual or group it disfavours. With Bill 5, it could declare their property a special zone and strip away tenant protections, land use rights, or other safeguards. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Or just as bad: the premier could use Bill 5 to impose his pet projects wherever he pleases — our parks, cottage country, conservation areas, even the Greenbelt. Provincial Politics Doug Ford says 'people don't give two hoots' about the Greenbelt fiasco Robert Benzie This is not hypothetical. Ford has a pattern: he instituted 'strong mayor' powers that allow mayors to ignore their councils. He routinely uses ministerial zoning orders (MZOs). Just last month, he signalled interest in allowing ministers to override provincial planning laws at will. With each move, checks and balances are chipped away. Trust us, they say — we won't misuse these powers. But democracy doesn't rely on trusting the people in power. It relies on limits to power — on clear rules, transparent processes and institutions strong enough to say no. No premier — however popular or persuasive — should be allowed to choose which laws apply and to whom. Because once the precedent is set, it will outlast the government that set it. Ontarians who care about democracy can't afford to stay silent. If we don't speak up now, we may not have the tools to do so later. Doug Ford is not Donald Trump. But in adopting some of the same governing tactics — concentrating power, circumventing laws and undermining public protections — he is veering into dangerous territory. Ontario doesn't need a strongman to stand up to Trump. It needs strong democratic institutions. Bill 5 is a giant step in the wrong direction and must be repealed. Let's not pretend otherwise.
Toronto Star
6 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Doug Ford says he treats First Nations ‘like gold' but they ‘keep coming hat in hand'
TORONTO - Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is willing to give First Nations what they want for their support in developing mines, but they cannot 'keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government' for more money. Ford is set to meet Thursday with several dozen chiefs who are part of Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 First Nations in the province. 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. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 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. Ford has repeatedly said that First Nation treaty rights will be respected and the government will fulfil its duty to consult them through a series of meetings this summer. 'This is like handing an opportunity on a silver platter to First Nations that, by the way, I have treated like gold,' Ford said Wednesday at an unrelated news conference. As proof of his government's good will, Ford pointed to the province's $3 billion Indigenous financing program for loan guarantees to allow First Nations to become owners in big infrastructure projects, as well as $70 million to train Indigenous workers for jobs in construction, development and mining. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'When I first came into office, I told Minister (Greg) Rickford, 'Treat them well, give them what they need, whatever they want for them to prosper.' But there's going to be a point that you can't just keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government, you've got to be able to take care of yourselves,' Ford said. 'And when you literally have gold mines, nickel mines, every type of critical mineral that the world wants, and you're saying, 'No, no, I don't want to touch that, by the way, give me money' — not going to happen.' Sol Mamakwa, the New Democrat who represents the Ring of Fire region and the lone First Nation member of the Ontario legislature, called out Ford's remarks. 'The premier's remarks today were deeply offensive and racist,' he said in a statement Thursday afternoon. 'Today's remarks prove that the premier has a fundamental lack of understanding of Ontario's treaty relationship with First Nations.' Mamakwa urged Ford to repeal the bill, which was only passed into law two weeks ago. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'He is trying to create divisions in our province and is taking us back,' Mamakwa said. 'This premier has made it clear that he won't bring people together, uphold the honour of the Crown and obtain free, prior, and informed consent.' Ford's office issued a statement later on Wednesday saying the premier 'looks forward' to his discussions with First Nations. 'The premier expressed his desire to work with First Nations leaders to achieve self determination and economic reconciliation for their communities,' spokeswoman Grace Lee said. 'He looks forward to moving these discussions forward tomorrow.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025.
