London, Ontario, May 6th, 2025 – The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) expresses strong opposition to Bill 5 – Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 – which has reached its second reading in the Ontario Legislature. AIAI warns that the bill poses a direct threat to First Nations treaty and inherent rights, environmental integrity, and democratic accountability.
“Bill 5 is a dangerous step backward. It proposes economic deregulation at the expense of constitutional rights and the environment,” said Grand Chief Joel Abram. “It mirrors failed American policy and lacks meaningful consultation with First Nations.”
Key concerns raised by AIAI include:
– Rejection of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): Ontario has failed to meet its legal and moral obligations under Section 35 of the Constitution and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Supreme Court decisions like *Haida Nation* and *Tsilhqot’in* affirm the duty to consult—yet Bill 5 bypasses it.
– Environmental Rollbacks: Repealing the Endangered Species Act and creating deregulated Special Economic Zones is a clear attempt to prioritize short-term development over long-term environmental responsibility. “Copying the rollback of American environmental protections is a race to the bottom,” said Grand Chief Abram.
– Undermining Accountability: Bill 5 empowers Cabinet to make sweeping changes without legislative scrutiny. This erosion of transparency is unacceptable.
– Lack of Non-Derogation Clauses: There is no assurance that treaty and inherent rights will be respected or protected in the face of development.
Deputy Grand Chief Stacia Loft added, “Ontario’s approach with Bill 5 disregards our treaty rights and undermines decades of progress in environmental protection. This isn’t just bad policy—it breaks the Crown’s obligations to First Nations and to future generations.”
“Ontario cannot legislate away its obligations,” concluded Grand Chief Abram. “First Nations are not obstacles to be cleared for development. We are Nations with rights, responsibilities, and visions for the future. Bill 5 ignores this reality.”
AIAI also notes the renaming of Ontario’s Indigenous Affairs Ministry to include First Nations Economic Reconciliation. While we appreciate the focus on economic opportunity, economic reconciliation must not come at the cost of rights recognition. True reconciliation demands both. AIAI reiterates its position: we will always oppose any law or policy that seeks to erode, limit, or negate First Nations rights or that may actively harm the environment. Governments must act in partnership, not imposition.
