The Robinson Huron Chiefs are demanding that Premier Doug Ford honour treaty commitments and ensure that First Nations consent is obtained for any decisions impacting their lands, rights, and futures.
The Ontario government quietly tabled Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act—a sweeping piece of legislation that would erode First Nation rights and could repeal the Endangered Species Act.
At its core, Bill 5 hands virtually unchecked power to Cabinet through the creation of Special Economic Zones, which would bypass First Nation jurisdiction, environmental safeguards, accountability and public oversight. The RHW plan to attend the public hearings, address the standing committee, spearhead and support rallies and take any action that may be required to halt Bill 5.
Premier Doug Ford announced the Bill on April 17, framing it as a way to eliminate “red tape” for major infrastructure, mining, and resource development. But let’s be clear, this bill is not about cutting duplication, it’s about relinquishing Province of Ontario’s Duty to Consult First Nations resulting in the erosion of our rights.
“Ontario and Canada must remember treaty obligations and relationships remain in full legal force. They have never been extinguished. The province cannot unilaterally override Indigenous rights, especially without consent from First Nation leadership,” said Dean Sayers, spokesperson for the Robinson Huron Treaty Chiefs and member of the Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin Political Working Group.
Premier Ford do not stir the hornet’s nest. This is not the Wild West. Ontario cannot act outside its own laws—or ours.”
Lake Huron Regional Chief Scott McLeod added, “Bill 5 must not proceed without the full consent from First Nations. Whether federal or provincial “Crown”, and any attempt to bypass their Duty to Consult including obtaining free, prior, and informed consent risks violating the inherent rights of the First Nations and the Crown’s legal obligations.
The newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, requires a quick lesson on the federal governments constitutional obligations to First Nations including the honour of the Crown to uphold relationships that were established by way of treaty. A strong Canadian economy is possible only with the full and equal participation of First Nations as true partners.
We look to this new government to acknowledge and respect our stewardship over our traditional territories and support our rightful authority and jurisdiction over our homelands. Our Nations will not tolerate unwanted intrusions into our territories where our sacred sites and burial grounds are threatened. We will not sit idly by.”
“This is bigger than the Ring of Fire. Bill 5 represents a broader erosion of rights and a dangerous precedent for how governments treat the land—and the peoples who have cared for it since time immemorial.”