Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that while he treats First Nations 'like gold' and offers opportunities for economic development, they cannot 'keep coming hat in hand' for more money, particularly regarding mining projects. These remarks, made ahead of a meeting with Anishinabek Nation chiefs, have been criticized as 'deeply offensive and racist' by NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa. The controversy stems from Bill 5, which allows the cabinet to suspend laws for 'special economic zones' like the Ring of Fire, without prior consultation with First Nations, despite Ford's assurances of respecting treaty rights.
Doug Ford says he treats First Nations 'like gold' but they 'keep coming hat in hand'
OntarioTorontoOntario GovernmentDoug FordSol MamakwaLegislatureLegislationBillsLaws
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that while he treats First Nations 'like gold' and offers opportunities for economic development, they cannot 'keep coming hat in hand' for more money, particularly regarding mining projects. These remarks, made ahead of a meeting with Anishinabek Nation chiefs, have been criticized as 'deeply offensive and racist' by NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa. The controversy stems from Bill 5, which allows the cabinet to suspend laws for 'special economic zones' like the Ring of Fire, without prior consultation with First Nations, despite Ford's assurances of respecting treaty rights.
Trending- 1 Bill 5 passed into law two weeks ago
- 2 Doug Ford makes controversial remarks on Wednesday
- 3 Sol Mamakwa calls remarks 'deeply offensive and racist' on Thursday afternoon
- 4 Ford's office issues statement later on Wednesday
- 5 Ford set to meet with Anishinabek Nation chiefs on Thursday
- 6 Province plans series of meetings with First Nations this summer
- Increased tensions between Ontario government and First Nations
- Accusations of racism and lack of understanding of treaty relationships
- Calls for repeal of Bill 5
- Potential for ongoing conflict over resource development in Ontario
What: Ontario Premier Doug Ford made controversial remarks regarding First Nations' financial expectations for supporting mining development, stating they 'keep coming hat in hand'. This sparked outrage from First Nations and NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa, who called the comments 'deeply offensive and racist'. The remarks are linked to Bill 5, a new omnibus law allowing the provincial cabinet to suspend municipal and provincial laws for chosen projects, particularly in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region. First Nations are upset about the lack of consultation before the legislation's passage, despite Ford's claims of respecting treaty rights and offering financial programs.
When: Premier Doug Ford made the remarks on Wednesday at an unrelated news conference. He is set to meet with several dozen chiefs from Anishinabek Nation on Thursday. Bill 5 was passed into law two weeks ago. The province plans a series of meetings with First Nations this summer.
Where: Ontario, Toronto, Ring of Fire region (northern Ontario), Legislature.
Why: Ford's government aims to speed up the construction of large infrastructure projects, especially mines, through Bill 5 and the creation of special economic zones. Ford believes First Nations should leverage the economic opportunities from mining rather than continuously seeking government funding. First Nations are outraged because they feel their treaty rights and the duty to consult were not respected before the passage of Bill 5, and they want to be part of economic development on their own terms. Sol Mamakwa believes Ford lacks understanding of the treaty relationship and is creating divisions.
How: Ford made the comments at a news conference. His government passed Bill 5 to create special economic zones and speed up mining projects. He pointed to a $3 billion Indigenous financing program and $70 million for training Indigenous workers as proof of goodwill. Sol Mamakwa responded with a statement, urging Ford to repeal the bill. Ford's office later issued a statement expressing desire to work with First Nations leaders.