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Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Idle No More 2.0 will be ‘fierce' if Doug Ford moves ahead with Bill 5
First Nations leaders in northern Ontario are vowing an 'Idle No More 2.0' if the province passes Bill 5, legislation designed to speed up development without clear rules on Indigenous consultation and accommodation. 'If and when this becomes law, say next week or after that, there will be fierce resistance from our side,' Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said on Thursday, representing the chiefs of 49 communities in the province's far north. 'I know my dear friend Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige has said the same thing. 'This is what we're looking at: Idle No More 2.0.' Debassige referenced the 2012 movement that asserted Indigenous rights and sovereignty across Canada in response to federal omnibus legislation in a statement Anishinabek Nation issued on Tuesday. She urged Premier Doug Ford to immediately withdraw the controversial Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, saying, 'we caution the provincial government that should Bill 5 proceed in its current form, we will be idle no more.' That statement followed two days of deputations that chiefs and grand chiefs across the province made to the Standing Committee on the Interior over the past week. All of those deputations called for the government to scrap the bill and start again with consultation, while deputations referenced the possibility of demonstrations or direct action if the bill passes. First Nations argue the series of laws that Bill 5 amends, such as the Mining Act and the Endangered Species Act, comprise a legal regime on free, prior and informed consultation and accommodation. The bill proposes new 'special economic zones' the minister can designate without size or impact limitation, that would exempt developers from following defined regulations and protocols on Indigenous engagement. 'They need to provide more details, procedures and protocols with this duty to consult,' said Nibinamik (Summer Beaver First Nation) Chief Michael Sugarhead. 'When other development comes, such as mining engagement, that we've been having recently, our rights aren't really considered.' Nibinamik is located about 100 kilometres west of the 5,000-square-kilometre Ring of Fire mineral deposit, which Ford has said he will name as the first special economic zone. Twenty years after prospectors found the deposit, Sugarhead said Ontario still refuses to recognize nearby First Nations as full partners and he's concerned this legislation will deeply impact the land while leaving future generations in poverty.'How is this going to help our community? We live in third-world conditions and it's like that because of the government,' he said. Sugarhead said the residual effects of this are poor health, poor education, and poor standards of living. 'Reconciliation is imperative in this case, to have that meaningful partnership and participation in this type of development. If it's not there, I don't think that the people of the land will give their free, prior and informed consent.' Facing mounting opposition, Progressive Conservative committee members introduced 23 amendments to Bill 5 on Wednesday, including one that made explicit the government's commitment to abide by its constitutional responsibility to consult and 'affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights.' Nibinamik's lawyer, Zachary Davis, accused the Doug Ford Conservatives of committing 'lip service' to Indigenous rights, insisting the amendment is legally empty. 'The government's just admitting what is already true,' Davis said. 'These are constitutional obligations. It provides no certainty.' Sol Mamakwa , Kiiwetinoong NDP MPP and the only First Nations member of the Legislature, called the PC's amendments 'meaningless, unserious, and worse than useless,' while he accused the government of 'placing itself above and beyond the law.' Mamakwa introduced two separate motions in committee that would have seen hearings on Bill 5 take place in Thunder Bay and other parts of northern Ontario. PC committee members defeated them both. Indigenous minister Greg Rickford said during question period on Wednesday that consultation with First Nations will begin after the bill is passed. To that end, his government will introduce, 'Indigenous-led economic zones.' Rickford said in a statement to Ricochet Media that his office intends, 'to work throughout the summer in consultation with Indigenous partners to develop regulations to create new Indigenous-led economic zones as part of Bill 5. This amendment creating a new category of zone is at the request of some First Nations who, like us, want to build projects that will unlock economic prosperity for generations.' But Fiddler says Ontario has offered no direction or definition of what such a zone designation would entail. 'The impression we're getting is that they're just making things up on the fly,' Fiddler said. 'I think it's too late in the process to try to fix this bill with any kind of amendments, including creating Indigenous-led economic zones. We don't even know what that means.' The Mushkegowuk Council is meeting in Sault Ste. Marie to discuss the bill on Thursday, including representatives of Moose Cree First Nation. On April 9, Moose Cree Chief Peter Wesley stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ontario energy minister Stephen Lecce to announce the construction of two new hydroelectric facilities that will generate 430 megawatts in the shared traditional territory with Taykwa Tagamou Nation. By the end of May, Ontario introduced Bill 5. Wesley couldn't believe it. 'We were involved from the very initial stages of the project and to have minister Lecce acknowledge that, wow, this is the groundwork of how it should be,' he said. 'What happened? To have Bill 5 come out, and 'we'll think about adding consultation as an afterthought?' It's not going to work. A few weeks ago, we thought we were on the right path. I don't know if that's there anymore.' Moose Cree has been expressing disapproval of a prospective niobium mine 25 kilometres up the North French River since 2019. Wesley says he has voiced his community's opposition to the project in written letters to both Ford and Rickford, but has received no Cree members took the train to demonstrate in Ottawa during the 2012 Idle No More movement. Wesley believes that if Bill 5 passes, his community will be prepared to stand up once more.'There might be a lot of civil unrest by First Nations again,' he said. 'We have some very outspoken members who will not stand for the North French to be touched – and they've made their views pretty clear.'
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Last-minute changes to Ontario mining bill are not good enough, First Nations say
A stream runs along the outskirts of Neskantaga First Nation, part of northern Ontario's mineral-rich Ring of Fire region, on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young TORONTO — Ontario First Nations say the provincial government's last-minute changes to a controversial mining bill are not good enough and have come too late. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, says the province should scrap Bill 5 and draft new legislation alongside Indigenous leadership. The proposed law seeks to speed up the development of large projects such as mines, and while First Nations are not necessarily opposed to such moves, they want a seat at the decision-making table. The legislation proposes to create so-called 'special economic zones' that would suspend provincial and municipal laws for certain projects. The province intends to name the Ring of Fire as the first such zone, but ministers have promised that affected First Nations will be consulted first. A filibuster by New Democrats and Liberals forced a delay in the committee process to adopt the bill, but the province still hopes to pass the bill into law next week. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025. Liam Casey, The Canadian Press
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Last-minute changes to Ontario mining bill are not good enough, First Nations say
TORONTO — Ontario First Nations say the provincial government's last-minute changes to a controversial mining bill are not good enough and have come too late. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, says the province should scrap Bill 5 and draft new legislation alongside Indigenous leadership. The proposed law seeks to speed up the development of large projects such as mines, and while First Nations are not necessarily opposed to such moves, they want a seat at the decision-making table. The legislation proposes to create so-called "special economic zones" that would suspend provincial and municipal laws for certain projects. The province intends to name the Ring of Fire as the first such zone, but ministers have promised that affected First Nations will be consulted first. A filibuster by New Democrats and Liberals forced a delay in the committee process to adopt the bill, but the province still hopes to pass the bill into law next week. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025. Liam Casey, The Canadian Press
Toronto Star
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
First Nations chief warns of ‘fierce resistance' to Premier Doug Ford's mining bill
A prominent First Nations leader is warning Premier Doug Ford to expect 'fierce resistance' to his Bill 5 fast-tracking mines and infrastructure projects in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. Amid concerns the Protect Ontario By Unleashing Our Economy Act threatens treaty rights and environmental protections, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation issued his strongest warning yet. 'There will be fierce resistance from our side,' he said in an online news conference Thursday on the legislation expected to pass next week before the legislature rises for its summer break. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'We're looking at Idle No More 2.0,' Fiddler added in a reference to the grassroots protest movement that began in 2012 and fuelled a national conversation on treaty rights, youth unemployment, resource extraction, inadequate housing and education. Fiddler said last-minute government amendments aimed at easing Indigenous concerns about the bill, including a provision to eventually allow Indigenous-led 'special economic zones' for mining and other projects to benefit their communities are not enough because no details have been provided. 'We don't even know what that means,' a frustrated Fiddler told reporters, accusing the Progressive Conservatives of 'doing things on the fly.' 'It's not working,' he said of the government's approach. 'It's making things worse. It's raising more questions about what this could look like.' While Ford's office said the concept has been discussed with Indigenous leaders, Fiddler retorted 'I don't know what he's talking about' and repeated calls for the bill to be withdrawn. 'We need to keep pushing.' As originally introduced, the bill paves the way for 'special economic zones' where environmental assessments would be limited and be exempt from many municipal and provincial rules — a main point of contention with First Nations worried that would override treaty rights and environmental protections. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said the new proposal for Indigenous-led zones was meant to assuage concerns that First Nations were not consulted before the legislation was introduced. 'We're fully committed to getting this right,' he said Thursday in Vaughan. The bill is intended to speed approvals for new mines and infrastructure projects. Ford wants to use cobalt, nickel and other critical minerals from the northwestern Ontario Ring of Fire deposits and get them to market, particularly for the electric vehicle and defence industries. 'We're protecting our economy so we can keep people working,' Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said at a news conference with Lecce. Opposition parties have sharply criticized the legislation, saying an amendment promising to fix First Nations concerns with the bill in regulations after it is passed is a flawed strategy. 'The government says 'trust us' on a bill that they've actually broken trust with First Nations,' noted Green Leader Mike Schreiner. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. Please enter a valid email address. Sign Up Yes, I'd also like to receive customized content suggestions and promotional messages from the Star. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Politics Headlines Newsletter You're signed up! You'll start getting Politics Headlines in your inbox soon. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
Hamilton Spectator
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Doug Ford blinks on Bill 5, under fire from First Nations
First Nations leaders and youth activists gathered at Queen's Park on Monday to denounce Ontario's controversial Bill 5,. 'This will not be the end of our fight,' said Alvin Fiddler, Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. 'The fight will only just be a start, will only begin.' Introduced by Premier Doug Ford's government, the bill aims to fast-track development by stripping away key safeguards — but for First Nations communities, it is a direct threat to Indigenous sovereignty, environmental security and generational justice. 'Nowhere in Bill 5 is the rights of Indigenous peoples to free, prior and informed consent mentioned — not even once,' said Shane Moffatt, Ontario Nature's conservation campaigns and advocacy manager. 'There is the potential for their rights to be really trampled if Bill 5 goes ahead, and that's paramount.' The fight against Bill 5 is not just confined to First Nations and environmental groups, but is gaining traction across Ontario. 'The premier has kicked a hornet's nest,' Moffatt said. 'I've never seen such quick mobilization and such an overwhelming response from the public.' In response to the opposition, Doug Ford's government announced today he will partially amend Bill 5 to include a duty to consult First Nations before moving forward — but intends to pass the bill to create special economic zones that fast-track mining and development projects. Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford and Ministry of Energy Stephen Lecce said the province won't move forward with this plan until they have meaningful consultation with all the First Nations in the area. As soon as Bill 5 becomes law — which could happen next week — Premier Ford, Rickford, and Lecce plan to meet with First Nations leaders to discuss the next steps. At Queen's Park, Fiddler firmly opposed Bill 5, calling it 'inappropriate' and rejecting the 'bill in its entirety.' He said he is concerned for young people in the territory who are 'rightfully worried about what this could mean for them and for their future.' Hanna Sewell, a member of Batchewana First Nation and co-chair of the Ontario First Nations Young People's Council said the bill reminds her of a battle — a violent one — her people fought over a similar issue, generations ago. 'Unfortunately, we've been subject to a lot of these bills over the years,' said Sewell. 'My reserve was predominantly in the Battle of Mica Bay.' The Battle of Mica Bay occurred in November 1849, when Anishinaabe and Métis leaders confronted the Quebec Mining Company for extracting minerals on their land without consent or compensation. Their peaceful but firm action forced the mine to close and drew the government's attention to Indigenous land rights. 'We have nothing left to lose except our land,' Sewell said. 'We're really willing to do anything it takes to make sure that our land is protected and that we can help breathe clean air and drink clean water, which some First Nations don't even have the ability to do now.' Major changes demanded Ramon Kataquapit, from Attawapiskat First Nation and a youth council member from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, said the bill 'literally says that our rights do not matter' and suggests 'that the lands that we sit on — and have stewarded since time immemorial — aren't our territory.' He said that the lack of environmental impact consultations in the past severely affected his community. Even as a mining company stripped the First Nation's land, the proceeds from its agreements were placed into a trust fund that has been inaccessible for 15 to 20 years, Kataquapit said. Meanwhile, its operations have contaminated the environment. 'The surrounding land, our source waters are filled with diesel and mercury from these mines, which is why we are on and off under a boil water advisory for a really long time,' Kataquapit said. First Nations leaders said Bill 5 requires a complete overhaul, not just amendments. 'It needs to be completely kiboshed and [revised] in a much, much better way, with First Nations at the table from the beginning,' Sewell said. She said the current government engagement is being 'taken at face value as consultation.' Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict said that First Nations are not opposed to economic growth, however, the bill makes the 'duty to consult very unclear' and would send many disputes to court. Benedict said these legal battles drain community resources and can delay or halt projects, creating economic uncertainty and losses for communities that could have otherwise benefited from properly negotiated development agreements. 'We want infrastructure. We want all those great things. Yes, bring it to the north, but be mindful in the way that you do it,' Sewell said. Environmental protections not 'red tape' Environmentalists like Moffatt of Ontario Nature say environmental protections are not 'red tape,' but instead are crucial safeguards for clean air, clean water and the ecosystems that all Ontarians depend on. 'We're in the middle of a global biodiversity crisis, and the last thing that Ontario should be doing ... is weakening protections for endangered species,' Moffatt said. He said the potential elimination of species recovery strategies under Bill 5 is a fundamental abandonment of endangered species, with significant consequences for essential systems such as agriculture that rely heavily on pollinators. While many provinces are stepping up and putting in place new conservation measures, Ford's government is running in the opposite direction , he said. Ontario Nature has already collected over 18,000 petition signatures and united 100 organizations in a joint submission. 'It reflects the huge number of Ontarians that are seeing this ... I personally think that we're going to see that opposition continue to grow,' Moffatt said. 'The premier is going to have to answer some very tough questions that the public are asking him.' However, Ford has dismissed these concerns as coming from 'radical environmentalists.' 'You can call me whatever you want, but at the end of the day, I'm trying to fight for you too, Doug Ford,' Sewell said. She said First Nations' advocacy for land protection benefits everyone. 'It's so that your kids, your grandkids, too, can drink, breathe and live in the future, and we're always taught to think seven generations ahead,' Sewell said. Fiddler said he is concerned that the federal government, under newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, may be considering legislation similar to Ontario's controversial Bill 5. 'This is not how you want to start your mandate as prime minister,' said Fiddler. 'You need to be respectful of our nation. You need to be mindful of the obligation that you have under a treaty.'Indigenous leaders and allied organizations have made it clear: if the province does not pause and consult, they are prepared to pursue 'conflict' both on the ground and in the courts. 'It's a battle between choosing the people or the land,' Kataquapit said. 'We want to share and live on these lands you call Canada, but if our inherent treaty rights keep being violated and our right to prior and informed consent is ignored, we will stand up against it.' 'We will call for a movement. We will fight for change in the government — not just to respect us, but to respect our sovereignty.' Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer
