Premier Doug Ford’s government will amend its controversial Bill 5 to include explicit duty to consult provisions, following strong opposition from First Nations leaders. However, the bill, which seeks to accelerate mining projects, will still move forward toward becoming law.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford and Mining Minister Stephen Lecce confirmed the amendments will be introduced during committee sessions on Wednesday. The bill has drawn criticism for allegedly weakening environmental protections and proposing the creation of “special economic zones” that could bypass provincial and municipal laws.
Responding to First Nations’ concerns, the province also plans to include “special Indigenous economic zones” for projects supported by First Nations communities. The first such designation is expected to be the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario, though the government now says this will only proceed after meaningful consultation with affected Indigenous communities.
Despite these assurances, First Nation leaders argue the government has failed to meet its duty to consult. NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa criticized the timing and depth of engagement, emphasizing the absence of free, prior, and informed consent. A motion to hold hearings in northern Ontario was rejected by the government.
Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, representing 133 First Nations, has called for the bill to be scrapped entirely and reintroduced with proper consultation from the outset. While the government defends the bill as essential for economic stability amid U.S. trade pressures, many First Nations have vowed to resist its current form.
Rickford and Lecce have highlighted new infrastructure plans and a $3 billion expansion of Indigenous loan guarantees as steps toward economic reconciliation.
Swifteradio.com
