US EditionFord government denies bill to speed up development will override environmental and Indigenous concerns
- In April 2025, the Ontario government proposed legislation aimed at speeding up infrastructure projects and resource development by establishing special economic zones with relaxed environmental and municipal regulations.
- Bill 5 seeks to shorten regulatory processes by establishing special economic zones where many provincial and local regulations—such as those related to the environment, Indigenous rights, and municipal oversight—would not apply.
- Critics, including conservationists and Indigenous advocates, warn the bill threatens ecosystems, archaeological sites, and undermines treaty rights by limiting consultations and legal actions.
- The government pledges increased species conservation funding at $20 million annually and insists it will uphold the duty to consult Indigenous communities and enforce environmental standards.
- The bill’s passage could transform economic development but raises concerns about ecological harm and Indigenous participation, prompting calls to oppose it during its committee review.
10 Articles
10 Articles
St Catharines Standard
Ford government denies bill to speed up development will override environmental and Indigenous concerns
Premier Doug Ford has said Bill 5 is needed to speed up much-needed investments and projects especially as the province tries to weather ongoing economic threats from the U.S.
Ontario First Nations fear uphill battle to preserve rights as Bill 5 speeds through legislature
The Ford government says it will continue to fulfil its duty to consult Indigenous communities, but the legislation on 'special economic zones' provides no oversight mechanism for First Nations to participate or object to decisions made under the Act.
‘A cure potentially worse than the disease’: Organizations say Ontario’s Bill 5 attacks laws to protect Georgian Bay’s environment, erodes First Nations rights
Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin said the bill is not cutting red tape for development but is “relinquishing” Ontario’s duty to consult First Nations, resulting in the erosion of rights
Why southwestern Ontario’s conservationists worry Bill 5 could erase history and wildlife
Conservationists and archaeologists in Southwestern Ontario are worried that legislation designed to speed up infrastructure development and resource extraction in the province could cause irreparable damage to existing ecosystems and the loss of Indigenous and historical artifacts. Bill 5, also named the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, was introduced by the Ontario government last month. If enacted, it would grant the provi…
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