Ontario’s legislature has passed Bill 5, the Protect Ontario By Unleashing Our Economy Act, triggering a wave of backlash from Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and opposition politicians.
The legislation, approved on June 4 and now awaiting royal assent, allows for the creation of “special economic zones”—designated areas where local and provincial regulations can be bypassed to fast-track industrial and infrastructure development. The Ford government says the move is necessary to respond to economic pressures, including recent tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, critics say the bill undermines environmental safeguards, restricts public and Indigenous consultation, and centralizes too much power within the provincial cabinet.
Indigenous Voices: “Our Rights Are Being Ignored”
At a protest on June 2 at Queen’s Park, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige, members of Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin, and the Chiefs of Ontario spoke out against the bill, arguing that it violates treaty rights and endangers land stewardship in Ontario’s mineral-rich Ring of Fire region.
The Chiefs of Ontario criticized Bill 5 for “concentrating decision-making power in the hands of ministers and the lieutenant-governor,” with no requirement for First Nations involvement. They warn that the bill gives the government sweeping authority to override protections for endangered species and sacred lands.
NDP MPP Sol Mamakwa, the party’s Indigenous and treaty relations critic, was removed from the legislature after accusing Premier Ford of dishonesty regarding treaty respect. “First Nations in Ontario do not want Bill 5,” Mamakwa stated before being escorted out. “Our rights are not being respected.”
Ford Defends the Bill as Economic Urgency
Premier Doug Ford has defended the legislation, arguing Ontario cannot afford years of red tape in developing critical mineral resources needed for electric vehicles, defence, and other sectors.
“We need to get moving, folks,” Ford said ahead of the vote. “We aren’t going to sit back and wait 15 years to get shovels in the ground while the whole world is eating our lunch.”
Environmental Groups Sound the Alarm
Ontario Nature, a leading conservation group, said Bill 5 not only infringes on Indigenous rights but also dismantles protections for endangered and threatened species. A petition opposing the bill has drawn more than 20,000 signatures.
Tony Morris, Ontario Nature’s policy director, said the group will now focus on efforts to reverse the legislation. “The government may have rammed this through, but we’ve seen incredible pushback from across Ontario.”
Environmental Defence also condemned the bill, warning it grants “unfettered power” to bypass environmental laws and erodes democratic checks and balances. Program manager Phil Pothen said the new legislation threatens species at risk, water safety, and even basic rights like collective bargaining.
“This isn’t just about mining,” Pothen said. “It gives the government a blank cheque to override laws under the guise of economic urgency.”
While the government insists the law is about speeding up resource development in the North, critics warn its broad scope could impact any region or industry across the province.