Oneida Nation of the Thames Chief Todd Cornelius states that Ontario's Bill 5, the 'Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act,' violates signed treaty provisions by bypassing direct consultation with Indigenous groups. The bill, which became law on Thursday, includes major changes to environmental protection and endangered species laws, creating 'special economic zones' that override other laws, raising concerns about diminished Indigenous sovereignty and environmental safeguards.
Lack of consultation means Ontario's Bill 5 oversteps treaty obligations, Oneida chief says
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Oneida Nation of the Thames Chief Todd Cornelius states that Ontario's Bill 5, the 'Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act,' violates signed treaty provisions by bypassing direct consultation with Indigenous groups. The bill, which became law on Thursday, includes major changes to environmental protection and endangered species laws, creating 'special economic zones' that override other laws, raising concerns about diminished Indigenous sovereignty and environmental safeguards.
Trending- 1 Prior to Confederation: Haudenosaunee signed Silver Covenant Chain agreements with the Crown.
- 2 Wednesday (June 4, 2025): Chief Cornelius released a statement.
- 3 Over the past week: Protests occurred at Queen's Park.
- 4 Thursday (June 5, 2025): Bill 5 became law.
- 5 Friday (June 6, 2025): CBC News contacted the Governor General's office.
- 6 2025-06-09: Article published.
- Bill 5 became law, potentially diminishing Indigenous sovereignty and environmental protections.
- Strain on the relationship between the Crown and First Nations.
- Potential for further protests or legal challenges.
What: Ontario's Bill 5 (Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act) became law, but Oneida Nation of the Thames Chief Todd Cornelius and other Indigenous groups argue it violates treaty obligations by not consulting them sufficiently. The bill creates 'special economic zones' overriding provincial and municipal laws for projects like the Ring of Fire mineral deposit and a proposed Highway 401 tunnel.
When: Published: 2025-06-09T09:00:00.861000+00:00. Bill became law on Thursday (June 5th, 2025). Chief Cornelius's statement was released on Wednesday (June 4th, 2025). Protests at Queen's Park occurred over the past week. CBC News contacted the Governor General's office on Friday (June 6th, 2025).
Where: Ontario, Canada. Oneida Nation of the Thames, Queen's Park (Toronto), Ring of Fire (northern Ontario), Highway 401.
Why: The Ontario government passed Bill 5 to clear the way for economic development, but Indigenous leaders argue it infringes on their sovereignty and treaty rights by not consulting them adequately, and by potentially negating environmental protections.
How: The Ontario government passed Bill 5 into law. Indigenous leaders, including Chief Todd Cornelius, are speaking out against it, stating it bypasses direct consultation and violates treaty provisions. Protests have occurred, and while the government did add 'duty to consult' provisions, Indigenous groups still feel their sovereignty is diminished.