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4w ago

Two First Nations Oppose Ontario Law to Speed Up Ring of Fire Mining

Neither Aroland nor Marten Falls First Nations gave consent to mining despite separate road-development pacts.

Protesters and community members chant and wave signs, as they listen to speakers during a demonstration opposing Bill 5, outside the Ontario Legislature at Queen's Park in Toronto, Monday, June 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
Protesters and community members chant and wave signs, as they listen to speakers during a demonstration opposing Bill 5, outside the Ontario Legislature at QueenÕs Park in Toronto, Monday, June 2, 2025.

Overview

  • Bill 5, enacted June 4, gives the Ontario cabinet power to create special economic zones that can suspend provincial and municipal laws with the Ring of Fire as the first designated zone.
  • Aroland First Nation Chief Sonny Gagnon says his community objected to the law despite signing a January pact for road upgrades to the Ring of Fire region.
  • Marten Falls First Nation cannot support Bill 5 as written, calling for meaningful consultation to amend its provisions.
  • The government casts the move as essential to Ontario’s clean energy transition, with critics saying it breaches Treaty No.9 rights.
  • Environmental groups alongside some municipalities warn special economic zones could bypass regulations protecting endangered species and municipal oversight.