Red Sky Métis Independent…

Red Sky Métis Independent Nation (RSMIN) is a rights-holding Indigenous community comprised of the descendants of the 84 “half-breeds” recognized under the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850. RSMIN is distinct from First Nations but holds constitutional Aboriginal rights and a deep commitment to collective stewardship and economic reconciliation.

We are concerned by the proposal to exempt Ontario Place redevelopment activities from Part II of the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993. These changes, embedded in the broader Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 (Bill 5), reflect a growing pattern of bypassing critical transparency and consultation mechanisms that ensure both legal compliance and public trust.

We support the goal of greater efficiency in permitting and development processes. Long delays can create frustration and missed opportunities for communities and the province. However, early and structured consultation—particularly with Indigenous communities—is not a barrier to progress, but a tool for achieving faster, more resilient, and better-informed outcomes.

This exemption risks:

Silencing Indigenous and public voices from decisions with high environmental and cultural impact;

Further marginalizing asserting Indigenous communities like RSMIN, who were not consulted on Bill 5 or this Ontario Place proposal;

Setting a precedent where “efficiency” overrides constitutional obligations and relationship-building.

RSMIN is not opposed to development. We seek to be effective and proactive partners in building a stronger, more inclusive Ontario. We urge the Province to:

Remove this exemption from the legislation;

Affirm and act on the duty to consult all impacted Indigenous Nations, including asserting communities;

Maintain environmental transparency as a vital component of democratic governance.