First Nations across northern Ontario intend to rally at Queen’s Park on Monday to show opposition to the proposed bill to speed up mining development.
They see Bill 5 trampling Treaty rights and allowing the government to bypass the need to consult.
Speaking at Queen’s Park, Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa says their message is clear.
“If the bill passes, First Nations and rights holders say they will be idle no more,” says Mamakwa.
The proposed bill is now before a legislative committee that held two days of hearings in Toronto.
Passage was stalled by the opposition.
Mines Minister Stephen Lecce says they have made some amendments.
“We’ve allowed for amendments to the bill to strengthen the area of consultation because of critical perspectives shared from Indigenous peoples,” says Lecce.
“That’s a responsible government in action, listening and responding. We’ve committed to consultations through regulation. We’ve committed to listening and investing. But what we’ve also committed to doing is challenging the status quo because it’s not working for this country.”
The bill is expected to return to the legislature for a final vote in the coming days.
