Respect Indigenous Sovereignty
Both Bill 5 and Bill C-5 are laws that fast-track infrastructure and resource development projects while weakening environmental protections, consultation processes, and recognition of First Nations rights and sovereignty. Each represents a significant shift in how governments approach development, often at the expense of Treaty rights, nation-to-nation relationships, and community voices. (Source: Chiefs of Ontario)
The legislations both limit opportunities for First Nations consultation and consent. The legislation allows the Ontario government to bypass critical processes that safeguard species at risk, cultural heritage, and treaty rights particularly in regions like the Ring of Fire. It concentrates decision-making power in the hands of ministers and the Lieutenant Governor without mandating First Nations involvement, threatening sovereignty, land stewardship, and ongoing reconciliation efforts. (Source: Chiefs of Ontario)
TMAPS Virtual Phone & Email Zap during Mzawe Kiing Anishinaabek Giizis / National Indigenous Peoples Month 2026
Bill 5: “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act,” 2025
The provincial (Ontario) legislation is intended to reduce regulatory processes across major infrastructure, mining, and resource projects. The bill affects and seeks to override several key Acts, including:
- Ontario Heritage Act
- Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998
- Environmental Assessment Act
- Mining Act
- Environmental Protection Act
- Electricity Act, 1998
- Endangered Species Act, 2007
- Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, 2023
In short, the Bill also allows exemptions to species-at-risk protections and archaeological assessments, putting both ways of life, ecosystems, and cultural heritage at risk.
Stand with First Nations and Protect Ontario’s Lands and Waters: Stop Bill 5
Join the campaign for protecting First Nations’ rights to defend the environment and reject short-term economic decisions that endanger future generations.
Available Online Petitions: Take 5 minutes each to complete
Bill C-5: “One Canadian Economy Act”
Bill C-5, known as the One Canadian Economy Act, introduces sweeping changes to Canada’s infrastructure development processes at the federal level through the Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act.
This legislation allows the federal Cabinet to fast-track major projects such as highways, pipelines, and energy projects by designating them as “national interest” projects.
These projects receive automatic federal approval through a single ministerial authorization. This process bypasses many standard regulatory requirements, including environmental assessments and consultation processes.
Although the federal government has claimed that Indigenous participation was considered, the law was developed and passed without meaningful consultation or the free, prior, and informed consent of First Nations.
The pre-approved nature of yet-to-be-announced “projects of national importance” does not allow for any sort of meaningful consultation with impacted Nations, nor are there enforceable laws regarding impact-benefit agreements with communities.
This “pre-approved” mindset ignores that Treaty rights are collective, not individual, affecting land, water, culture, and governance. (Source: Chiefs of Ontario)
Support First Nations’ Inherent and Treaty Rights
Join the campaign to support and uplift First Nations’ responsibility to protect their lands and resources for the benefit of future generations in accordance with their values, traditions, and laws, as well as nation-to-nation relations.
Available Online Petitions: Take 5 minutes each to complete