Latest news with #OntariobyUnleashingOurEconomyAct
Hamilton Spectator
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Doug Ford's Tories amend controversial mining bill to allay First Nation concerns
Premier Doug Ford is amending his controversial Bill 5 in a last-ditch bid to allay concerns from Indigenous leaders that treaty rights and environmental protections are under threat. The Progressive Conservatives scrambled Wednesday to alter their Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act fast-tracking mines and infrastructure projects by proposing to make changes in regulations after the legislation is passed — which critics dismissed as too little, too late. 'This is totally the wrong way,' said New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong), whose remote northwestern riding includes the vast Ring of Fire mineral deposits Ford wants to feed electric vehicle development, defence and other industries in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. A key amendment would eventually allow Indigenous-led 'special economic zones' to fast-track mining and infrastructure projects that could benefit their communities. It states 'regulations under this Act shall be made in a manner consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including the duty to consult.' Ford's office said '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.' Special economic zones, which would limit environmental assessments and be exempt from many municipal and provincial rules, have been a main point of contention with First Nations because they violate treaty rights and endanger wildlife. 'We've ... heard the desire to strengthen the commitment to the duty to consult. They want to make sure that their rights and treaty rights are protected. We hear them,' said Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce. 'A responsible government, an element of pragmatism, will work with them and build upon that advice,' said Lecce. Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister Greg Rickford, who is meeting with chiefs from across the province, said the changes 'line up perfectly with what we're hearing from First Nations business leaders and First Nations political leaders.' 'They want to be a part of the economic opportunity and fundamentally transform and change the economic fortunes of many First Nations across this province,' said Rickford, who worked as a nurse in remote reserves for years before going into politics. 'There have been no 'economic' designations as of yet,' he said, referring to the special economic zones where development could be expedited by years. But as protesters rallied outside Queen's Park, opposition parties and First Nations said the government's 'trust-me' approach to make changes in regulations won't work because the government has already broken trust by rushing the bill into law after failing to consult them while crafting it. 'This legislation will not unleash our economy. In fact, it erodes trust between Ontario and Moose Cree First Nation and will only delay planning and development because there is no shortcut around First Nations' rights,' said Moose Cree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley. 'This attempt to shortcut the duty to consult and override environmental protections will end up at the Supreme Court and delay any Ring of Fire activity by at least 10 years,' said Chief Michael Sugarhead of Nibinamik First Nation. In a legislative committee doing a clause-by-clause examination of the bill Wednesday, Mamakwa said 'the government is on a path of no reconciliation' with First Nations that will backfire. 'You cannot legislatively bulldoze your way to our homeland,' said Mamakwa. 'If that's done, there are repercussions and we don't want to go there ... while you may change your laws, you remain accountable to us.' Earlier this week, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said the government's actions could lead to 'conflict on the ground.' 'If this bill in its current form goes through, that is where we're heading, And those that oppose (Bill 5) will most likely end up in jail,' said Fiddler, who has repeatedly emphasized that 'our treaty is not red tape, our rights are not red tape.' NDP Leader Marit Stiles said consultations with Indigenous leaders should have taken place before the bill was drafted and agreed it will lead to a slowdown in mine and infrastructure development because of court challenges and protests. 'This eleventh hour scramble ... is not going to cut it,' she told reporters. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said the amendment is yet another example of the three-term Tory government being forced into policy retreats because it doesn't 'do its homework.' 'They react, and then they realize they need to walk things back. This has been a pattern with this government, as we saw, even with the Greenbelt,' said Crombie in reference to the Tories' $8.28-billion land swap scandal now being investigated by the RCMP. Green Leader Mike Schreiner noted 'the government says 'trust us' on a bill that they've actually broken trust with First Nations.' Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada.
Toronto Star
29-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Doug Ford's Tories amend controversial mining bill to allay First Nation concerns
Premier Doug Ford is amending his controversial Bill 5 in a last-ditch bid to allay concerns from Indigenous leaders that treaty rights and environmental protections are under threat. The Progressive Conservatives scrambled Wednesday to alter their Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act fast-tracking mines and infrastructure projects by proposing to make changes in regulations after the legislation is passed — which critics dismissed as too little, too late. 'This is totally the wrong way,' said New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong), whose remote northwestern riding includes the vast Right of Fire mineral deposits Ford wants to feed electric vehicle development, defence and other industries in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW A key amendment would eventually allow Indigenous-led 'special economic zones' to fast-track mining and infrastructure projects that could benefit their communities. It states 'regulations under this Act shall be made in a manner consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, including the duty to consult.' Ford's office said '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.' Special economic zones, which would limit environmental assessments and be exempt from many municipal and provincial rules, have been a main point of contention with First Nations because they violate treaty rights and endanger wildlife. 'We've ... heard the desire to strengthen the commitment to the duty to consult. They want to make sure that their rights and treaty rights are protected. We hear them,' said Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce. 'A responsible government, an element of pragmatism, will work with them and build upon that advice,' said Lecce. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation Minister Greg Rickford, who is meeting with chiefs from across the province, said the changes 'line up perfectly with what we're hearing from First Nations business leaders and First Nations political leaders.' 'They want to be a part of the economic opportunity and fundamentally transform and change the economic fortunes of many First Nations across this province,' said Rickford, who worked as a nurse in remote reserves for years before going into politics. 'There have been no 'economic' designations as of yet,' he said, referring to the special economic zones where development could be expedited by years. But as protesters rallied outside Queen's Park, opposition parties and First Nations said the government's 'trust-me' approach to make changes in regulations won't work because the government has already broken trust by rushing the bill into law after failing to consult them while crafting it. 'This legislation will not unleash our economy. In fact, it erodes trust between Ontario and Moose Cree First Nation and will only delay planning and development because there is no shortcut around First Nations' rights,' said Moose Cree First Nation Chief Peter Wesley. 'This attempt to shortcut the duty to consult and override environmental protections will end up at the Supreme Court and delay any Ring of Fire activity by at least 10 years,' said Chief Michael Sugarhead of Nibinamik First Nation. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW In a legislative committee doing a clause-by-clause examination of the bill Wednesday, Mamakwa said 'the government is on a path of no reconciliation' with First Nations that will backfire. 'You cannot legislatively bulldoze your way to our homeland,' said Mamakwa. 'If that's done, there are repercussions and we don't want to go there ... while you may change your laws, you remain accountable to us.' Earlier this week, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said the government's actions could lead to 'conflict on the ground.' 'If this bill in its current form goes through, that is where we're heading, And those that oppose (Bill 5) will most likely end up in jail,' said Fiddler, who has repeatedly emphasized that 'our treaty is not red tape, our rights are not red tape.' NDP Leader Marit Stiles said consultations with Indigenous leaders should have taken place before the bill was drafted and agreed it will lead to a slowdown in mine and infrastructure development because of court challenges and protests. 'This eleventh hour scramble ... is not going to cut it,' she told reporters. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said the amendment is yet another example of the three-term Tory government being forced into policy retreats because it doesn't 'do its homework.' 'They react, and then they realize they need to walk things back. This has been a pattern with this government, as we saw, even with the Greenbelt,' said Crombie in reference to the Tories' $8.28-billion land swap scandal now being investigated by the RCMP. Green Leader Mike Schreiner noted 'the government says 'trust us' on a bill that they've actually broken trust with First Nations.' Provincial Politics Doug Ford's legislation to speed up mining projects violates First Nation treaty rights, hearing told Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. Provincial Politics Doug Ford's legislation to speed up mining projects violates First Nation treaty rights, hearing told Proponents argue that the controversial bill is essential for Ontario's economy amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. 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. 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Toronto Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
MCSWEENY: Surface mining must be part of Ontario's vision
Michael McSweeny is Executive Director of the Ontario Stone Sand and Gravel Association. Photo by Handout / Toronto Sun The Ontario government made a transformative announcement last week with the introduction of Bill 5, the Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account This legislation is designed to safeguard the province's economic future and is a positive development for Ontario job creators, skilled trades, and global investors seeking a stable market in which to grow. As executive director of the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA), I welcome the government's focus on strengthening Ontario's economic resilience in the face of looming tariffs and trade uncertainty. Ontario is one of the most resource-rich jurisdictions in the world — from the stone, sand and gravel that form the foundation of our infrastructure, to the critical minerals in the north that fuel the technologies of tomorrow. Bill 5 recognizes this potential by proposing a more efficient approval process, reducing red tape, and accelerating responsible development — all while maintaining environmental safeguards for which Canada is globally respected. Similar to other mining, securing a licence for a pit or quarry can take between five and 12 years and cost upwards of $10 million. This is not sustainable and places the industry in an uncompetitive position. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. To truly unlock the potential that Premier Doug Ford is looking for in the Ring of Fire and critical infrastructure projects, surface mining must be part of the equation. Stone, sand and gravel are Ontario's original critical minerals. They are the literal building blocks of our homes, hospitals, schools, and roads. Our industry produces hundreds of millions of tonnes of essential construction materials every year, creating well-paying jobs and supporting economic growth. Bill 5's commitment to reduce review times by up to 50% is a welcome move. If applied to the aggregate sector, this could help meet growing demand, reduce infrastructure delays, and shield taxpayers from rising construction costs — especially in a climate of escalating tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Beyond aggregates, Bill 5's focus on critical minerals like nickel, cobalt and copper reflects an important strategic shift and vision. These minerals are indispensable to industries like EV manufacturing, clean energy, and aerospace. With global demand skyrocketing and new tariffs threatening North American supply chains, Ontario is well-positioned to lead. But the same logic applies to aggregates: Access to close-to-market, high-quality construction materials is vital for infrastructure investment and housing affordability across Ontario. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The government's commitment to working with First Nations is another important feature of this legislation. Inclusive and sustainable development cannot happen without meaningful Indigenous engagement. OSSGA supports these efforts and is committed to working alongside Indigenous communities and all stakeholders to ensure development leads to shared prosperity. Ford and his government have a vision to make Ontario the best location for new investment among its G7 counterparts. Bill 5 is a concrete step toward making Ontario a more competitive, resilient and attractive place to invest and do business. But its success depends on ensuring that all resource sectors — including aggregates — are included in this vision. Our industry already supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributes billions to the provincial economy. We are grateful for this visionary thinking. The road ahead will require continued focus on innovation, workforce development, and streamlining government processes. OSSGA stands ready to work with the province to ensure that Ontario's natural resources — from the Ring of Fire to the pits and quarries that support our daily lives — can truly power our economy. Let's seize this opportunity to ensure Bill 5 delivers on its full promise — for all of Ontario's critical resources. — Michael McSweeny is Executive Director of the Ontario Stone Sand and Gravel Association Columnists Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Toronto Blue Jays Toronto & GTA
Hamilton Spectator
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Biologist warns proposed provincial changes will erode conservation efforts
For the first time in likely a century, the endangered spiny softshell turtle population increased in 2024 along the Thames River, largely due to the efforts of conservationists like Scott Gillingwater. Gillingwater, species at risk biologist for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), told the Times that last year the Southern Ontario at Risk Reptiles (SOARR) program hatched and released more than 10,000 native turtles into the region. To put that number into context, it's estimated that there are between 2,000 and 2,500 adults in Canada. Although that is a huge amount released locally, Gillingwater clarified that only 0.1 to five per cent will survive to maturity. The program also located, assessed, and protected dozens of endangered turtles and snakes, built new nesting, basking, foraging, and cover habitats, and installed roadside fencing to reduce reptile mortality, among other conservation efforts. Gillingwater said that the population has not reached the same level that it was at when he started at the UTRCA 32 years ago and there is much more still to do; however, recent provincial legislative changes has him worried about the prospects of native turtles and all native animals at large. On April 17, the Province of Ontario introduced the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, legislation that would 'cut the red tape and duplicative processes that have held back major infrastructure, mining and resource development projects,' according to a news release. 'The days of making proponents wait years for approvals and permits are over,' Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, said in that same release. 'We can and will build the Ontario of tomorrow in a way that protects the environment and protects jobs.' While the legislation focuses on energy and mine development, it would also make amendments to the Endangered Species Act (once touted as the 'gold standard' of conservation legislation) and eventually would repeal and replace it altogether with the Species Conservation Act. In its proposal, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks said that the Endangered Species Act makes the permit process 'slow and complex, causing unnecessary delays and costs for housing, transit, and critical infrastructure.' Chiefly, the new legislation to replace it would give the government the ability to use its own discretion to add endangered and threatened species to the protected list (and could also remove species from the list) and it would redefine protections and the habitats of animal species. No longer would the avenues species use to migrate, look for food, and winter be protected under the new act, rather only their den would be protected. 'That makes it very difficult for protection of areas where these animals are traveling to move between summer and winter sites where they're feeding,' Gillingwater said. 'And also, we are still studying these species to fully understand them, and this habitat will be lost before we can say where these animals are, where these animals need to be in five years, 10 years, 100 years, due to changes in the environment. … There're so many concerns about how this act is being currently set out. 'We once had the gold standard for species protection in Ontario and that legislation has continuously been amended and weakened and had the teeth taken out of it,' Gillingwater went on to say. '… What we need now – under the current state of our affairs, with our world, with our climate – is better species protection. And that goes for not only species at risk, but all of our wildlife and wild spaces in general. And it's quite surprising that in this day and age that we are taking steps back. We are losing decades of progress by weakening these types of legislation.' The Species Conservation Act would also create a new program to support voluntary activities that will assist in conservation and would increase investment into conservation, up to $20 million a year. As Gillingwater said, he does not believe that is commiserate to the erosion of species protections. 'We need more protection for these species, not less, not weakening of legislation, and we need more funding to do this work,' Gillingwater said. 'So that amount of funding should have been put forward without reducing protections to species at risk. Sure, additional funding is great, but if you're reducing protections you're going to need far more, tenfold more, than what is being presented.' When asked if he has hope for 2025 and beyond, Gillingwater said he has been working in the region for 32 years, since the mid-90s, and he's seen it all. Throughout that time, he has identified as either an optimistic pessimist or a pessimistic optimist. 'I will say that the pessimism it starting to creep up a little higher than my optimism,' Gillingwater said. 'I still have hope.' The consultation period for the proposed Species Conservation Act, where residents can submit a comment to the province, ends on May 17. Residents can find more information here: .
