This bill risks the…

This bill risks the destruction of First Nation burial sites, artifacts and lands because developments are exempted from ecological and archaeological assessments.

“Bill 5 reflects a dangerous and false narrative that presumes the Government of Ontario has unilateral authority to legislate over lands and resources without consultation or consent,” Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said in a statement. “Our lands and resources are not for the province to sell, exploit or regulate away as economic corridors, especially without our consent.”

While the province has stated it will meet its constitutional duty to consult Indigenous communities when making decisions, the bill is silent on this commitment and must state this explicitly. In addition please clarify how First Nations will be able to participate in these decisions.