First Nations Protest Ontario’s Controversial Mining Bill at Queen’s Park
Hundreds of First Nations people gathered at Queen’s Park on Monday to protest a new mining bill from Premier Doug Ford’s government. The bill, called Bill 5, would allow the province to override certain laws, including environmental protections, to fast-track big projects like mines.
The crowd loudly chanted, “Kill Bill 5, kill Bill 5,” calling for the bill to be canceled. Many had traveled from northern Ontario to make their voices heard.
The government shut down most debate on the bill, even though many First Nations say it ignores their treaty rights and was created without their input. They want to help write new laws that respect their communities and the environment.
“Our rights are not for sale,” said Cindy Woodhouse, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, during the rally.
The government says Bill 5, officially named the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, is meant to speed up important projects, especially in areas rich in minerals like the Ring of Fire. That region could become a “special economic zone,” where the government picks which laws apply. But First Nations leaders are concerned this will harm their land and treaty rights.
While the government says it will continue to consult First Nations, many feel the bill is being rushed. Last week, they made a few changes to the bill, but critics say it was too little, too late. Some First Nations have even warned they might block roads or railways if the bill passes.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford said the bill still includes a duty to consult with First Nations, and that the government does not want confrontation. He promised more meetings and visits with First Nations communities this summer.
Opposition parties are also angry about how fast the bill is moving. The NDP and Liberals tried to delay the process last week, but the government limited debate to just one hour before the final vote. Several other bills, including the budget, are being rushed through with little to no public hearings.
NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa, the only First Nations member in the Ontario legislature, criticized the government for spreading misinformation. He was kicked out of question period after refusing to take back his comment, but returned later to help serve a traditional northern Ontario meal to politicians.
Despite moments of unity, Mamakwa and other opposition members say the government is silencing the public and acting undemocratically.
NDP House Leader John Vanthof compared the Ford government’s actions to a king ruling alone. He said shutting down debate takes away people’s right to be heard.
Government House Leader Steve Clark, who once called these tactics “anti-democratic” when he was in opposition, now defends them, saying the government needs to move quickly on its priorities.
