I strongly oppose Bill C-5…

I strongly oppose Bill C-5. While it may be presented as a move toward modernizing the justice system, it risks undermining both public safety and the foundational rights of Indigenous Peoples. By reducing mandatory minimum sentences for serious offences—including those involving firearms and drug trafficking—this bill weakens accountability and sends the wrong message about the seriousness of these crimes.

More concerning is how this legislation continues a pattern of disregarding Indigenous sovereignty. Bill C-5 appears to facilitate or normalize the use of lands that Indigenous Peoples have not given free, prior, and informed consent to access. This repeats the harmful history of colonial overreach—where laws were passed without meaningful consultation, resulting in the exploitation of our lands, the erosion of our rights, and the breakdown of trust.

True justice reform must address systemic inequality, respect Indigenous jurisdiction, and protect the safety of all communities. Bill C-5 does none of these. It is not enough to change the penalties; we must also change the systems that continue to ignore Indigenous voices and perpetuate injustice.

Id also like to note that the waterways and protected lands of KI have already been but into place. Yet Bill c5 allows for the government to disregard their own statements and protections. At that point how can the people trust the government who constantly goes back on it's word? Legally binding word.