Ontario First Nations leaders warn of 'conflict on the ground' if controversial Bill 5 passes

Ontario First Nations leaders say they want the province to kill a controversial bill they say infringes on treaty rights, and are warning of "conflict on the ground" if it passes.

Bill 5, or the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, includes major changes to the province's endangered species and environmental protection laws. 

The bill would create "special economic zones" that would suspend provincial and municipal laws for certain projects. Premier Doug Ford has said the Ring of Fire mineral deposit in northern Ontario and his proposed tunnel under Highway 401 would be given that special status under the proposed law.

Since it was tabled last month, the bill has drawn criticism from First Nations, environmentalists and legal advocates, who have said the proposed law would gut environmental protections for wildlife and infringe on treaty rights.

WATCH | Environmental groups alarmed about Bill 5's potential impacts: 

Environment groups raise alarm about Ontario bill that would weaken species protection

1 month ago

Duration 2:20

Some environmental groups are raising concerns about a bill introduced recently by the Ontario government that proposes to replace the Endangered Species Act. As Lorenda Reddekopp reports, the groups worry it would water down species protection.

Alvin Fiddler, grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, said if the bill is passed, First Nations communities will take a stand.

"There will be conflict on the ground, and those that oppose it will most likely end up in jail," said Fiddler, who represents 49 First Nations in north Ontario. "That is where we're heading."

Chief says province has duty to consult

Shelly Moore-Frappier was one of many chiefs who were at Queen's Park Monday to oppose the bill, which is currently being considered by the province's standing committee. 

At a news conference, she said the bill doesn't align with the province's obligations under Treaty 9, including the duty to consult.

"If First Nations are not involved in making decisions, not respected or taken seriously, it's safe to assume many will object, and developments will stall and get tied up in court," said Moore-Frappier, who is chief of Temagami First Nation. 

"We're not against development," she said. "But that doesn't mean we'll stand by while our lands and rights are steamrolled by a short-sighted desire for profit and prestige."

Linda Debassige, grand council chief of Anshinabek Nation in Ontario, said the province is "trying to legislate us out of the conversation."

"I caution the government," she said, "should this bill proceed in its current form, we will be idle no more."

Debassige was suggesting a repeat of the Idle No More movement that began in 2012 and led to countrywide protests, including road and rail blockades.

Minister says province willing to consider changes

The Ford government has said the bill is intended to speed up approvals as an urgent response to the economic threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariffs.

The Progressive Conservatives have also said the bill doesn't take away treaty rights, but Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said Monday that the province is willing to consider changes.

"To work in good faith with First Nations leaders to strengthen the bill, to get it right, we're open to making improvements to the bill," he said. "We already have made some, but I think there's more work to do."

Ontario's Regional Chief for the Chiefs of Ontario, however, told reporters Monday that First Nations leaders aren't asking for amendments. They want the province to start over and involve First Nations in drafting a new bill.

"Nobody has said, 'Change this and it's okay,'" said Chief Abram Benedict, who advocates for all 133 First Nations in the province. "We're not against jobs. We're not against creating a stronger economy, but it has to be done in a respectful way."

Benedict met with Ford and Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford at the premier's home on Thursday following a first contentious day of committee hearings about Bill 5.

Benedict said he told Ford that the legislation, as it is currently written, is unacceptable and that consultation must occur with each First Nation, not umbrella organizations like his.

The NDP put forth a motion Monday seeking to hold an additional day of committee hearings on the bill in Thunder Bay, a repeat of a motion put forward by MPP Sol Mamakwa last week. The Progressive Conservatives voted against it.

Ford to meet with Indigenous leaders about bill

Rickford said Monday that Ford has agreed to sit down with Indigenous leaders to discuss the bill. But ministers would not answer whether the government is prepared to delay the bill's passage to pursue further consultation.

Despite his minister's pledge to listen to outraged First Nations, Ford said there was lots of support for the bill.

"There's opposition with the radical environmentalists, not everyone else," he said.

"People want jobs, they want to create wealth and opportunity and prosperity."

The bill is set for line-by-line consideration as it moves closer to becoming law.