Ford Government Pushes Bill 5 Through Legislature, Sparking First Nations

In a move that has ignited a storm of opposition from Indigenous communities and environmental groups, Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government passed Bill 5 on Wednesday (June 4).

Formally titled the Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, the legislation grants the province unprecedented authority to override provincial and municipal laws in favor of economic development.

Specifically, Bill 5 allows the government to establish “special economic zones” where environmental protections, labor regulations and other statutes can be suspended for projects led by “trusted proponents.”

Premier Doug Ford’s government argues that the bill is critical for expediting development in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region and countering global economic threats, including US tariffs.

But the bill’s passage, by a vote of 71 to 44, has drawn fierce backlash from First Nations leaders who say they were not consulted, in violation of treaty rights enshrined in the Canadian constitution.

Speaking to reporters, Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nations in Northern Ontario, warned that protests and blockades — reminiscent of the Idle No More movement — are likely.

“I think after today we need to look at every option that is at our disposal, including legal, political, economic, everything – including taking direct action,” he said, adding, “Everything is on the table.”

Ford was not present in the legislature for the vote, drawing condemnation from Indigenous leaders and opposition politicians. He reportedly missed the vote due to an overrun in an online meeting with a US congressman.

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles stood alongside First Nations representatives to denounce the premier’s absence and vowed to continue resisting the legislation, which she predicted will end up in court.

Public gallery benches erupted during the vote with shouts of “Shame on you!” and “Where’s the premier?” Security escorted several individuals out, including one man who yelled, “Our land is not for sale!”

Opposition parties attempted to stall the bill with thousands of proposed amendments, but the Progressive Conservative majority pushed it through after using time allocation to cut short debate.

Legal experts warn that Bill 5 could significantly alter the legal and environmental landscape in Ontario. The legislation includes Henry VIII-style provisions — named after the 16th-century monarch notorious for consolidating executive power — which allow the provincial cabinet to override laws without legislative scrutiny.

Laura Bowman, a lawyer with Ecojustice, said, “This is not just undemocratic; it’s anti-democratic.”

Environmental advocates have also raised alarm about Bill 5’s implications for conservation. It rewrites Ontario’s endangered species law by giving the cabinet, not scientists, final authority on which species merit protection.

Additionally, it eases rules on preserving Indigenous archaeological…