5 more First Nations join legal challenge against Bill 5 and C-5 – CBC

Feb 05, 2026

Fast-tracking development laws give governments ‘absolute power,’ says lead counsel

Five more First Nations have joined a court challenge against new federal and provincial laws aimed at fast-tracking development, saying they threaten Indigenous rights.

Bill C-5, passed by Parliament last June, allows cabinet to quickly grant federal approvals for big projects deemed to be in the national interest such as mines, ports and pipelines by sidestepping existing laws, while Ontario’s Bill 5 allows its cabinet to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called “special economic zones.”

Walpole Island First Nation, along with Kashechewan First Nation, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Wapekeka First Nation and Wunnumin Lake First Nation, is joining the legal challenge.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/ontario-challenge-bill-c5-9.7074134