Ontario Bill 5: A threat to First Nations rights, economic reconciliation, and sustainable prosperity

The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA) today expresses its profound opposition to Ontario’s Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. This legislation, in its current form, poses an unacceptable threat to First Nations’ inherent and Treaty rights, undermines the principles of true economic reconciliation, and jeopardizes the sustainable economic future of First Nations communities and the province as a whole.

"Bill 5 is not a pathway to prosperity; it is a direct assault on the foundations of respectful partnership and shared decision-making, which are crucial for any legitimate economic development in our territories," stated Jason Rasevych, President for the ABPA. "The proposed Special Economic Zones, with their sweeping powers to exempt projects from provincial and municipal laws, and the alarming lack of commitment to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), threaten to exclude First Nations businesses and communities from meaningful participation and oversight in projects that directly affect our lands, waters, and livelihoods. This is not economic reconciliation; it is economic marginalization."

The ABPA is deeply concerned by the environmental rollbacks embedded in Bill 5, particularly the repeal of the Endangered Species Act. "Sustainable development is not a buzzword for First Nations; it is a core principle tied to our stewardship responsibilities and the long-term viability of our communities. Weakening environmental protections to fast-track development creates unacceptable risks for the lands and waters that sustain us and are integral to many First Nations and their enterprises, from tourism to traditional economies. This approach is short-sighted and will ultimately undermine the ecological and economic health of the entire province."

Furthermore, the Ontario government’s failure to engage in meaningful consultation with First Nations prior to tabling Bill 5 is a serious breach of trust and a recipe for conflict and uncertainty. "Good business relies on stable, predictable, and respectful relationships. Imposing legislation of this magnitude without our involvement, let alone consent, creates an unstable environment for investment and partnership," Rasevych added. "The government's claim that this bill will somehow 'enhance' consultation, while simultaneously creating mechanisms to bypass existing laws and First Nations’ oversight, is disingenuous and deeply concerning."

The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association stands with First Nations leadership across Ontario in calling for:

1. The immediate withdrawal of Bill 5.
2. The initiation of genuine, nation-to-nation consultation and co-development processes with First Nations on any legislation affecting our rights, lands, and economic future, upholding the standard of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent.
3. A commitment to true economic reconciliation that respects First Nations' jurisdiction, supports Indigenous-led development, and ensures equitable benefit-sharing, rather than imposing development at the expense of our rights and the environment.

"First Nations are not obstacles to development; we are essential partners for sustainable and equitable prosperity in Ontario. We urge the Ontario government to abandon this detrimental bill and engage with us to forge a path forward that respects our rights, protects our shared environment, and builds a truly inclusive economy for all," concluded Jason Rasevych.

About the ABPA:

The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (www.anishnawbebusiness.com) is a non-profit, member-based organization based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ABPA serves the First Nation business community within Treaty #3, Treaty#5, Treaty #9 and Robinson Huron and Superior Treaty Areas. The ABPA develops and expresses positions on business issues and other public issues relevant to First Nation business, on behalf of its members.