Cash Payment Received from Loreto, Chile Option and Joint Venture Agreement

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 sites.

The government has floated the possibility of Indigenous-led economic zones as part of the regulations it must still draft, but details remain scarce, and First Nations groups say the damage has already been done.

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict, who previously met with Ford in a tense private session, said the discussions were necessary, but insufficient. “Our Chiefs have made it clear that they fully reject Bill 5, and the Chiefs of Ontario stand by and defend the position of the Chiefs,” Benedict maintained in a statement. “First Nations rights holders must be at the table, and the…