Two First Nations, notably Aroland, are expressing strong opposition to Ontario's new Bill 5, which aims to expedite mineral extraction in the north, including the mineral-rich Ring of Fire. Chief Sonny Gagnon emphasized that this legislation infringes on treaty rights and neglects Indigenous voices in development decisions. Aroland had recently signed a shared-prosperity agreement with the province to improve access to infrastructure, yet it now joins other First Nations in resisting Bill 5. The provincial government, represented by Premier Doug Ford, cites support from certain communities to advance this legislation amidst growing discontent among many Indigenous groups.
"We do not stand with Ontario in support of Bill 5," Gagnon said in a statement. "We do stand in support of the other First Nations in Ontario who are opposed to Bill 5 and working to have it thrown out."
Ontario intends to name the mineral-rich Ring of Fire as the first such zone, but the law has created a firestorm of anger among many First Nations. They say they want to be involved in development, but that the new law violates their treaty rights and ignores their concerns.
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