The Algonquins of Ontario …

The Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) do not support the proposed Bill 5 in its current state. There was no meaningful consultation with the AOO or any Indigenous communities on the development of the proposed amendments under this Bill. Specifically, the AOO do not support:

- neglecting rights of Indigenous Peoples as affirmed in Canadian law through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

- bypassing of consultation obligations under the Duty to Consult with Indigenous communities

- impacting Indigenous lands and rights and the environment through development occurring without consultation or regulatory permits

- removal of government accountability to protect cultural heritage resources and the environment (and specifically species at risk)

- removal of Ontario Heritage Act requirements to identify and mitigate impacts to cultural heritage resources through archeological assessments and its triggers for Indigenous consultation

- removal of Endangered Species Act requirements to identify and mitigate impacts to species at risk and its triggers for Indigenous consultation

For additional details, please see the attached documents and letters of support.