The Anishinabek Nation leadership is calling on the province to immediately withdraw Bill 5.
This as they join with First Nations leaders from across the province for a Queen’s Park rally and round dance in protest of the Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.
Officials say the legislation is a direct threat to the lands, jurisdiction, and sovereignty of First Nations, within the Anishinabek Nation territory.
They’re calling for a process of meaningful consultation, consent, and accommodation.
“We will not stand idly by while our rights are ignored, our lands are targeted, and our Treaties go unfulfilled,” says Scott McLeod, Anishinabek Nation Lake Huron Regional Chief. “We demand that the Government of Ontario start over—repeal this Bill and work with us, not around us. Let’s build legislation that ensures our economies can thrive in a way that respects our Nations and upholds our rights.”
McLeod says the province is mistaken if it believes the bill will speed up economic processes.
“Any attempt to fast-track development without consent will only lead to delays, resistance, and legal challenges,” he says. “Our Nations are united, and we will stand in the way of any legislation that bypasses our rights.”
Last week, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines said the province is committed to serious and meaningful consultations with local and Indigenous communities as they build out the regulations and their action plan.
The bill is still before the Standing Committee on the Interior.
