The proposed changes to the…

The proposed changes to the Ontario Heritage Act are deeply concerning—not only for the preservation of the province’s rich and diverse cultural history but also for the damage they will do to relationships with Indigenous and First Nations communities. These amendments would significantly weaken the ability of municipalities and heritage professionals to protect historically significant sites, including those sacred to Indigenous peoples. By accelerating development approvals and narrowing the scope for heritage designations, this change prioritizes short-term economic interests over long-standing commitments to truth, reconciliation, and respect for the land and its original stewards.

This move undercuts trust with Indigenous communities, many of whom have spent years working in good faith to ensure their cultural heritage is recognized and preserved. It sends a message that economic expedience is more important than the duty to honor treaties, respect cultural landscapes, or engage in meaningful consultation.

While economic development in Ontario is important, it cannot come at the cost of our shared history and the rights of Indigenous communities. The proposed amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act under Schedule 7 dangerously prioritize infrastructure over cultural preservation by allowing exemptions from archaeological assessments. This approach opens the door to irreversible harm to sacred sites, ancestral remains, and invaluable cultural artifacts.

Exempting properties from heritage protections based on "provincial priorities" not only weakens existing safeguards—it also sends a troubling message that economic goals outweigh the need for right relationship with Indigenous peoples. Although the legislation gestures toward excluding sites like former residential schools, many significant locations lack formal designation and could easily be overlooked or ignored.

True reconciliation cannot occur when governments act unilaterally to dismantle safeguards that exist to protect the histories and identities of Indigenous peoples. Ontario must do better. These changes must be paused, and a full consultation process—one that centers Indigenous voices—must be undertaken to ensure that our shared heritage is protected for future generations.