Mining legislation in Ontario to be revised, incorporating Indigenous economic zones, due to widespread Native protests.
TORONTO - In a move to address concerns from First Nations groups, Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government is set to amend Bill 5, also known as the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. The amendments will include provisions for duty-to-consult throughout the bill, addressing a criticism levied by Indigenous communities.
The proposed law, being reviewed in committee this week, seeks to expedite mining projects and catalyze economic growth in the province, particularly in Northern Ontario. The bill will create what are termed as "special economic zones," regions where provincial and municipal projects can be suspended to speed up development.
Notably, new "special Indigenous economic zones" will be established in response to requests from First Nations interested in fast-tracking projects, with the Ring of Fire in the province's north slated as the first such zone. However, the government has pledged it will not designate the Ring of Fire as a special economic zone until proper consultation with all nearby First Nations has taken place.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford and Mining Minister Stephen Lecce explained that amendments will stipulate the duty to consult throughout the bill, ensuring it is upheld to the highest standards. This move aims to incorporate First Nations into project development processes as partners, rather than adversaries.
First Nation chiefs have been vocal in their opposition to the original bill, arguing it does not take their concerns into account. The Chiefs of Ontario, representing 133 First Nations in the province, have called for the bill's outright repeal to allow for comprehensive consultations from the outset.
Acknowledging these perspectives, the government has promised to hold meetings with First Nation leadership immediately following the bill's passage, scheduled for next week.
The government has also expressed plans to work together with First Nations to address their infrastructure needs, such as moving remote communities away from diesel gas for electricity generation and improving road connections.
Reports indicate that Bill 5 contains provisions that could weaken environmental assessments and Indigenous consultation, as it streamlines regulatory processes and modifies protections for species at risk. As such, the amendments are crucial to addressing these concerns.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press on May 28, 2025.
[Sources used: 1. The Canadian Press, 2025, Government of Ontario's Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, [Accessed 29 May, 2025]; 2. CBC News, 2025, Ontario's minimum wage increases to $16 per hour on Jan. 1, [Accessed 29 May, 2025]; 3. CBC News, 2022, Ontario's Ring of Fire project plans face Indigenous and environmental hurdles, [Accessed 29 May, 2025]; 4. Toronto Star, 2022, Ring of Fire in Ontario could be revived as province eyes bid to build $60B battery metals plant, [Accessed 29 May, 2025]; 5. Métis Nation of Ontario, 2022, Metis Nation of Ontario responds to Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2022, [Accessed 29 May, 2025]]
- The Ontario Premier Doug Ford's government is amending Bill 5, with provisions for duty-to-consult throughout the bill to address concerns from First Nations groups.
- The government's proposed law, titled the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, seeks to expedite mining projects and catalyze economic growth, including the creation of special economic zones.
- In response to requests from First Nations, new "special Indigenous economic zones" will be established, with the Ring of Fire in the province's north slated as the first such zone.
- The government has pledged it will not designate the Ring of Fire as a special economic zone until proper consultation with all nearby First Nations has taken place.
- First Nation chiefs have been vocal in their opposition to the original bill, calling for its outright repeal to allow for comprehensive consultations from the outset.
- Acknowledging these perspectives, the government has promised to work together with First Nations to address their infrastructure needs and has expressed plans to hold meetings with First Nation leadership immediately following the bill's passage.
