Ontario First Nations leaders warn of 'conflict on the ground' if controversial Bill 5 passes

Ontario First Nations leaders say they want the province to kill a controversial bill they say infringes on treaty rights, and are warning of "conflict on the ground" if it passes.

Bill 5, or the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, includes major changes to the province's endangered species and environmental protection laws. 

The bill would create "special economic zones" that would suspend provincial and municipal laws for certain projects. Premier Doug Ford has said the Ring of Fire mineral deposit in northern Ontario and his proposed tunnel under Highway 401 would be given that special status under the proposed law.

Since it was tabled last month, the bill has drawn criticism from First Nations, environmentalists and legal advocates, who have said the proposed law would gut environmental protections for wildlife and infringe on treaty rights.

Alvin Fiddler, grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, said if the bill is passed, First Nations communities will take a stand.

"There will be conflict on the ground, and those that oppose it will most likely end up in jail," said Fiddler, who represents 49 First Nations in north Ontario. "That is where we're heading."

Shelly Moore-Frappier was one of many chiefs who were at Queen's Park Monday to oppose the bill, which is currently being considered by the province's standing committee. 

At a news conference, she said the bill doesn't align with the province's obligations under Treaty 9, including the duty to consult.

"If First Nations are not involved in making decisions, not respected or taken seriously, it's safe to assume many will object, and developments will stall and get tied up in court," said Moore-Frappier, who is chief of Temagami First Nation. 

"We're not against development," she said. "But that doesn't mean we'll stand by while our lands and rights are steamrolled by a short-sighted desire for profit and prestige."

Linda Debassige, grand council chief of Anshinabek Nation in Ontario, said the province is "trying to legislate us out of the conversation."

"I caution the government," she said, "should this bill proceed in its current form, we will be idle no more."

Debassige was suggesting a repeat of the Idle No More movement that began in 2012 and led to countrywide protests, including road and rail blockades.

The Ford government has said the bill is intended to speed up approvals as an urgent response to the economic threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariffs.