First Nations leaders say the time for diplomacy over the bill to speed up mining development is running out.
They want the Ford government to scrap the Bill 5.
Indigenous people from across the province gathered in front of the Ontario Legislature for a peaceful protest.
Scott McLeod, a regional Chief with the Anishinabek Nation, says they want to ensure their rights are protected and that there is proper consultation.
“We’re not interested in hearing promises and preambles to the bill. We want to see those assurances written down actually in the bill legally, and until such a point, we won’t be happy,” says McLeod.
“We’re not against development. But it’s not going to come at the expense of our Treaty-protected inherent rights. So do the right thing and come to the table. Pause this process and get the First Nations at the table.”
The Ford government has offered some amendments to the bill, including the creation of Indigenous-led Special Economic Zones.
McLeod says those also came without any consultation with First Nations.
“This was dropped on us in the 11th hour. There was no willingness to speak before, and they want to consult afterwards after the rules have been written. That’s totally not acceptable to any of our First Nations,” says McLeod.
The bill is expected to come before MPPs for a final vote this week.
McLeod hints that it is leading to more protests similar to that of the Idle No More movement sparked by a 2012 federal bill that included changes to the Indian Act.
“The time for diplomacy is running out. Our job here as leaders for our Nations, we’re charged with trying to accomplish that diplomacy. When that runs out, the grassroots take over. They are, in effect, our bosses, and they will lead where we go from here.”
