Sudbury MPP Jamie West is not pleased with the recent passage of Ontario's Bill 5 and the closed-door consultation sessions surrounding the bill.
Bill 5 is new legislation that the Conservatives have passed to amend several existing Acts to enable the province to create special economic zones to allow the "streamlining" of approval processes for mining and critical infrastructure projects.
Provincial consultations with Indigenous leaders regarding Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act (Bill 5) are being done behind closed doors to ensure “robust dialogues.”
West doesn't agree with the fast-tracking approach the government is taking in the bid to protect the economy with expedited approval of mining projects.
West released the following statement in response to the government action:
“If the government truly wanted to listen, they would have listened to the hundreds of people who came to Queen’s Park to make their voice heard before this Bill passed — when the Premier didn’t even show up. Now, there are 10 First Nations already taking legal action; the rights holders from Attawapiskat and Neskantaga First Nations protesting near the Ring of Fire; and those from Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg who demonstrated along Highway 17 — what is the Premier’s plan?"
West said the government has ignored the concerns raised by many First Nations.
He said even as many First Nations struggle with natural disasters, the government is failing the people.
"The government continues to operate entirely on its own terms, even as some Chiefs who have publicly said that they are in states of emergency due to wildfires and unable to participate while their communities are in crisis," said West.
“While the government goes through with these closed-door consultations, some affected Chiefs are saying they weren’t invited at all. This is the bare minimum, and the government still can’t get it right.”
In addition, West said the controversy over Bill 5 is only resulting in a lack of confidence in Queen's Park. He called on the Doug Ford Conservatives to do real consultations with First Nations.
"Bill 5 is creating more chaos and uncertainty at a time when we need unity and confidence in our government. The premier can do the right thing — repeal this Bill, do real consultations, and work with First Nations leaders and rights holders as partners. Instead, the government’s focus is on closed-door meetings, opaque processes, and more confusion.”
