Latest news with #OntariobyUnleashingOurEconomyAct
Hamilton Spectator
21-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Take the money, Doug Ford urges First Nations leaders who criticize fast-track development
HUNTSVILLE, Ont. — Premier Doug Ford urged First Nations leaders to take advantage of billions of dollars in financial supports as he headed into a meeting Monday over their deepening concerns about legislation to fast-track mining projects in the face of the U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. 'This door is only open so long,' Ford told reporters as he and his fellow premiers arrived at Deerhurst Resort in a motorcade from Toronto for their annual Council of the Federation conference , escorted by an Ontario Provincial Police motorcycle unit. 'There's never been a better opportunity for Indigenous communities — I'll speak for Ontario — than right now,' added Ford. 'There's $3 billion of equity sitting in the window that they can draw from. There's $70 million of training, $10 million of scholarships.' The premiers' meeting with the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and others was expected to focus on the fight many Indigenous leaders are waging against Ford's Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, and similar federal legislation, Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, which also has a less contentious element — removing most federal barriers to interprovincial trade. Both laws are aimed at speeding development of pipelines and other major infrastructure projects such as mines and rail corridors to offset an economic slowdown expected from U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods such as steel and automobiles. But their passage in recent weeks — leaving First Nations leaders furious at a lack of advance consultation — has raised questions about the traditional treaty rights and environmental impact of fast-tracking massive projects intended to spur Canada's economy. Following their own warnings that the controversial bills will end up slowing development, nine Ontario First Nations have launched legal challenges of both bills, insisting they are unconstitutional, and are seeking court injunctions to prevent Ottawa and Queen's Park from moving quickly on projects. 'Our rights cannot be implemented or respected without us, in substance and in process,' National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations warned last week. Ford is eager to accelerate projects in northwestern Ontario's Ring of Fire critical mineral deposits needed for electric vehicles, defence and other industries. 'We're gonna work with them,' he pledged in regard to First Nations. 'We want everyone to have an opportunity.' Prime Minister Mark Carney, who met with hundreds of Indigenous representatives last Thursday in Gatineau over their concerns about the federal legislation, will join the premiers Tuesday and provide an update on trade negotiations with the Americans. O'Chiese First Nation Chief Phyllis Whitford dismissed the summit, held behind closed doors, as 'political theatre' that followed 'last-minute invitations, last-minute agendas.' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she's eager to hear more details from Carney on Bill C-5 and echoed Ford's concerns that major projects need to get rolling sooner rather than later. 'The problem has been, historically, that they haven't moved at all, that projects have 10 year or more time horizons,' she told reporters. 'This new world we're in, we have to figure out a way to get to 'yes' faster. It doesn't mean there isn't a robust conversation that has to happen, but it has to happen in a time frame when a proponent is going to know that the answer is 'yes' and how we get there,' Smith added. 'I'm supportive of an abridged time frame but I think we also have to figure out how that's going to work.'
Hamilton Spectator
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Doug Ford apologizes to First Nations for ‘hat in hand' comments
Premier Doug Ford has apologized to First Nations for comments he made while pushing his controversial Bill 5 that fast-tracks mining approvals. Speaking to reporters at Queen's Park on Thursday after a two-hour meeting with chiefs from the Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 First Nations across Ontario, Ford was contrite. 'I just want to say I sincerely apologize for my words, not only if it hurt all the chiefs in that room, but all First Nations,' the premier said. 'I speak from the heart and sometimes my words don't come out properly, which I think you've all seen over a number of years. I sincerely apologize if that has offended anyone. I've never been too proud to sit back and apologize for something that I've said or if have offended someone,' he said. Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, who was standing beside Ford as he spoke, accepted his apology. 'Our chiefs felt today that the apology was sincere. We are looking at today as a new day going forward,' said Debassige. 'The premier has corrected himself for the 'hat in hand' comment and has committed to be working with us as a good treaty partner and has owned what he said,' she said, 'and I'm not going to belabour that.' However, Debassige emphasized that while the chiefs appreciated the confab, the Anishinabek Nation still opposes Bill 5, the ' Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act ,' which was passed two weeks ago. 'We remain steadfast in the rights of our nations,' she stressed, noting other matters were discussed behind closed doors. 'It would be disrespectful to our First Nations communities to suggest their only concern is Bill 5 at this time.' The meeting came one day after Ford was accused by New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa of making 'racist' remarks about First Nations. On Wednesday in St. Catharines, the premier said 'there's an opportunity of a lifetime for them' if minerals can be extracted more quickly from remote regions. 'We're giving them $3 billion with a B … to be equity partners, to make their communities more prosperous and wealthier and have services they've never had before,' said Ford, noting' 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 — 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. It's simple,' he said. In a letter Thursday to Ford, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak accused the premier of 'pejoratively dismissing' Indigenous rights. 'Your remarks only serve to perpetuate racist stereotypes and are not acceptable in any way or circumstance,' she wrote. For his part, Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) said Thursday 'that's not the way we create relationships with First Nations' and had urged Ford to apologize. 'As First Nations, you know, we are not beggars,' he added. 'That type of thinking is not great … it belongs back in the 1950s.' Ford's mea culpa overshadowed a meeting that had been called as his Progressive Conservatives scrambled to fix Bill 5 in regulation following its speedy passage before the legislature rose for the summer break. Opponents charge the law breaches long-standing First Nation treaty rights as well as waters down environmental protections with of new 'special economic zones' designed to fast track project approvals. Ford's Tories argue the law — similar to the federal Bill C-5 being pushed through by Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals — is needed to get projects approved quickly The premier and prime minister say U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war against Canada means that approvals must be expedited.
Hamilton Spectator
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Doug Ford accused of ‘racist' comments ahead of meeting with First Nations chiefs
Premier Doug Ford is being accused of making 'deeply offensive and racist' remarks about First Nations on the eve of a key meeting with Indigenous chiefs. Amid controversy about fast-tracked mining projects, Ford is sitting down with dozens of Anishinabek Nation chiefs Thursday at Queen's Park to address their concerns over Bill 5. But on Wednesday in St. Catharines, his off-the-cuff comments about how the law would help improve economic opportunities for remote First Nations communities sparked a firestorm. 'There's an opportunity of a lifetime for them. We're giving them $3 billion with a B … to be equity partners, to make their communities more prosperous and wealthier and have services they've never had before,' said Ford, adding '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 — 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. It's simple,' he said. NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) said those comments 'prove that the premier has a fundamental lack of understanding of Ontario's treaty relationship with First Nations.' 'The premier's remarks today were deeply offensive and racist. He is trying to create divisions in our province and is taking us back,' said Mamakwa, whose riding near Kenora includes the Ring of Fire mining project that Bill 5 is meant to expedite. While the ' Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act ,' was passed last week , the Progressive Conservatives are scrambling to tackle some of its outstanding problems in regulation. Opponents warn the legislation infringes upon First Nation treaty rights and undermines protections for the environment and endangered species because of new 'special economic zones' designed to rush project approvals. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nations in northern Ontario, said Ford's 'remarks are offensive, rooted in racism and colonial violence.' 'We are coming from generations of unresolved treaty rights, stolen lands and broken promises,' Fiddler, an outspoken critic of Bill 5 who won't be at Thursday's confab, wrote on social media. 'Our Nations have taken care of ourselves long before your government existed. You are the one begging for our resources.' Ford's meeting will take place just steps from an Indigenous encampment protest against his contentious new law in city-run Queen's Park behind the legislature. The Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 First Nations across Ontario, also opposed the legislation, noting it 'undermines the principles of lawful consultation, environmental due process, Inherent Rights, Aboriginal Title, and Aboriginal Treaty (protected) Rights — all of which are foundational to a stable and predictable investment environment.' 'While this bill may promise short-term regulatory shortcuts, it will almost certainly result in long-term delays, legal battles, and reputational damage for companies involved,' the group said in a statement two weeks ago. The New Democrats, Liberals and Greens all voted against Bill 5 last Wednesday. But the Tories insist the law, which is similar to the federal Bill C-5 being rammed through by Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals , is required to get projects approved within in two years instead of 15. Both Carney and Ford argue the trade war launched against Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump has necessitated the need for speeding up approvals to boost the domestic economy.
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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