Ontario to amend controversial Bill 5 following backlash

After receiving lots of criticism, the Ontario government says it is making changes to its controversial Bill 5 – the changes involve consulting with Indigenous peoples.

On Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford’s government said it will be making changes to Bill 5 following the pushback from Indigenous communities. The amendment would include an explicit duty to consult throughout this process.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford says the changes will help First Nations communities.

“We believe if we work in full partnership with First Nations communities to build out the critical infrastructure that is the face of developing critical minerals and mining sites,” said Rickford.

Bill 5 looks to speed up mining projects like the ones in northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire by creating “special economic zones” where it can suspend provincial and municipal laws.

It will also be adding in “special Indigenous economic zones” at the request of Indigenous communities for projects they want to fast track.

READ MORE: Disruptions expected as pressure builds around Ontario’s Bill 5

In an Instagram post before Wednesday’s announcement, Six Nations of the Grand River said the bill should be paused until the government consults with them.

NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa says making changes to the bill in the eleventh hour is not reconciliation, but rather an insult

“It’s a slap in the face when you try to do last minute changes to appease the First Nations,” said Mamakwa.

Ford says Bill 5 is needed now more than ever.

“The reason we’re doing this, we’re in an economic war against President Trump. One of the areas that are going to support our province and our entire country is our critical minerals,” said Ford.

However, opposition NDP leader Marit Stiles shot back saying the proposed law should be scrapped entirely.

“This isn’t about mining. It’s not about the north. It’s not about the economy. It’s not even about fighting Donald Trump, for goodness sake. This is an unfettered power grab by this government,” said Stiles.

READ MORE: Indigenous groups condemn Ford’s bill 5 as ‘assault’ on constitutional rights