Grand Council Chief warns legislation violates constitutional obligations and risks escalating conflict
ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE – Indigenous News – The Anishinabek Nation is demanding the Government of Ontario immediately halt the advancement of Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, warning that the legislation violates Anishinabek inherent and treaty rights and disregards Ontario’s constitutional and legal obligations.
The Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 First Nations and approximately 70,000 citizens across Ontario, issued a strong statement on May 13, 2025, urging Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet to stop Bill 5 and begin meaningful, Nation-to-Nation consultation that honours the spirit and intent of treaties such as the Robinson-Superior Treaty, which covers parts of Northwestern Ontario.
“As the rightful caretakers of these lands, waters, and resources, the Anishinabek have never ceded ultimate title to Ontario or any colonial entity,” said Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige. “Bill 5 is a continuation of Ontario’s false narrative of unilateral authority, which is not only disrespectful but constitutionally flawed.”
Bill 5: Accelerating Development, Ignoring Rights
Bill 5 proposes sweeping changes to Ontario’s economic and environmental legislation, introducing tools like Special Economic Zones, Trusted Proponents, and Designated Projects, aimed at fast-tracking development. However, the Anishinabek Nation argues the bill bypasses environmental protections, archaeological assessments, and constitutional requirements to consult First Nations on projects impacting their lands and waters.
The Nation warns that allowing lands of economic value to be developed without proper checks will cause irreparable harm to the environment, species at risk, and culturally significant sites, including burial grounds.
“Bill 5 increases the risk of conflict with Anishinabek First Nations when proponents and the province continue to ignore their duty to consult,” said Chief Debassige. “This bill reinforces Ontario’s colonial approach and risks deepening divisions by placing non-Indigenous economic interests above our rights and responsibilities as treaty partners.”
Undermining Treaties and the Honour of the Crown
The Anishinabek Nation asserts that Bill 5 directly violates Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which Canada has endorsed.
Additionally, the Nation emphasizes that treaties, including Robinson-Superior and Robinson-Huron, were meant to establish relationships of sharing, not surrender, and that the Government of Ontario lacks the authority to unilaterally legislate over lands and resources without First Nations’ free, prior, and informed consent.
“Ontario cannot legislate our inherent rights away,” said Chief Debassige. “Our ancestors never agreed to this, and we will continue to assert our jurisdiction in the face of any legislation that seeks to erase our rights and obligations as the ultimate rights holders of these lands.”
The Anishinabek Nation warns that Bill 5 undermines reconciliation efforts and threatens the legal and moral foundations of Ontario’s relationship with First Nations, calling on all Ontarians to understand the broader constitutional issues at stake.
