Chiefs in Ontario call out governments for rushing development while clean water and housing still lacking – APTN News
Aug 21, 2025
Leaders warn governments Bill 5 and Bill C-5 threaten sovereignty, wellness
Chiefs in Ontario are raising serious concerns about the legislative processes behind the federal government’s Bill C-5 and Ontario’s Bill 5, saying they are being asked to support Canada’s national development priorities while many of their communities still lack basic infrastructure like clean water and safe housing.
“We will see, you know, the results of that in the coming months when the rubber hits the road around project development,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict at a news conference during the Chiefs of Ontario’s 2025 First Nations Community Wellness Conference in Toronto.
“When the government thinks that they can assert their jurisdiction through First Nation territories, they’re gonna be sadly mistaken. That’s not what’s gonna be happening. First Nation rights holders have to be at the table.”
