Two First Nations, Aroland First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation, are speaking out against Ontario's new Bill 5, which aims to fast-track mineral extraction in the Ring of Fire region by creating 'special economic zones.' They argue the law violates their treaty rights, lacks proper consultation, and ignores environmental concerns, despite having signed agreements with the province for infrastructure upgrades.
Two First Nations involved in Ontario’s Ring of Fire project speak out against new mining law
Business
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Two First Nations, Aroland First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation, are speaking out against Ontario's new Bill 5, which aims to fast-track mineral extraction in the Ring of Fire region by creating 'special economic zones.' They argue the law violates their treaty rights, lacks proper consultation, and ignores environmental concerns, despite having signed agreements with the province for infrastructure upgrades.
Trending- 1 January: Aroland First Nation signed a shared-prosperity agreement with the province for major upgrades to roads leading to the Ring of Fire.
- 2 Last week: Ontario's Bill 5 passed.
- 3 Friday (implied, before Monday): Webequie's chief is dealing with a wildfire that forced community evacuation.
- 4 2025-06-09 (Monday):
- 5 Aroland First Nation Chief Sonny Gagnon speaks out against Bill 5.
- 6 Premier Doug Ford defends Bill 5 at the Intersect/25 event.
- 7 Marten Falls First Nation Chief Bruce Achneepineskum expresses opposition to Bill 5 as written.
- 8 Ford states he will be speaking to Gagnon shortly.
- 9 Ongoing: A regional assessment of the Ring of Fire is being conducted, co-led by many First Nations, including Aroland.
- 10 Ongoing: Environmental assessments for the roads are in development, one for six years (with half that time lost due to COVID-19).
- 11 Summer: Ontario government intends to consult First Nations on the new law.
- Escalation of conflict between the Ontario government and First Nations.
- Potential legal challenges to Bill 5.
- Possible delays or alterations to the Ring of Fire mining project.
- Increased scrutiny of resource development and Indigenous rights in Canada.
What: Two First Nations, Aroland and Marten Falls, are opposing Ontario's new Bill 5, which allows the province to suspend provincial and municipal laws for 'special economic zones' to accelerate mineral extraction in the Ring of Fire. They contend the law infringes on their treaty rights, lacks consent, and disregards environmental assessments.
When: Bill 5 passed last week. Statements and discussions occurred on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Where: Ontario, Canada, specifically the Ring of Fire region (approximately 450 kilometers north of Thunder Bay), Aroland First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, and Webequie First Nation.
Why: The Ontario government passed Bill 5 to expedite mineral extraction in the Ring of Fire, partly due to pressure from the United States. First Nations oppose it due to concerns about the violation of treaty rights, insufficient consultation, potential environmental damage to peatlands, and lack of consent for mining activities.
How: The Ontario government passed Bill 5. Aroland First Nation Chief Sonny Gagnon issued a public statement of objection. Marten Falls First Nation Chief Bruce Achneepineskum expressed conflicted feelings but stated he cannot support the law as written. Premier Doug Ford defended the bill and indicated he would engage in further discussions with Chief Gagnon.