First Nations Leadership United in Opposition to Liberal Government’s Unprecedented Bill C-5

Press Release

(Peterborough, Ont.–June 19, 2025) Earlier this week, First Nations Leadership in Ontario sent a powerful message against Bill C-5 that echoed through the halls of Parliament.

First Nations convened an emergency rally and press conference on Parliament Hill to show Prime Minister Mark Carney that his government cannot trample on inherent and Treaty rights.

“We are not anti-development, and our communities want to be prosperous, but we won’t accept laws that silence our voices, or that destroy our environment and ways of life,” said Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict. “The government is doing this because they want certainty. They want foreign investment in this country and to build infrastructure. But without First Nations at the table, they will not achieve certainty. And we’re going to continue to make sure they know that.”

Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, bundles the Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act and the Building Canada Act, gutting key federal protections under the guise of economic growth and U.S trade pressure.

Echoing Conservative Premier Doug Ford’s controversial Bill 5, also widely opposed by First Nations and organizations across Ontario, Bill C-5 would grant Prime Minister Carney’s federal cabinet the power to fast-track infrastructure projects that are deemed to be in the national interest.

“Canada claims to be a nation of laws, we have proven time and time again that Canada cannot just run roughshod over our rights,” said Grand Council Treaty #3 Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh. “The Canadian government says it is passing this law to speed up development and protect the economy. We’re here to say this bill will do exactly the opposite. Treaty #3 is not opposed to all development, but we are opposed to development that does not respect the laws of our Nations or the inherent jurisdiction of our traditional governance systems.”

The government is rushing the bill through the legislative process at an unprecedented speed—granting just two days for committee debate and amendments in the Senate and the House of Commons. The process is raising serious concerns with how the government is approaching sweeping legislative changes.

“Canada speaks publicly about nation-to-nation relationships and truth and reconciliation. But this bill is about exercising power over the First Peoples and our lands and resources. Bill C-5 is not reconciliation—it’s a betrayal of it. Reconciliation is not symbolic, and it means atoning for colonial harms. But with Bill C-5, Canada is preparing to repeat those harms yet again,” said Temagami Chief Shelly Moore-Frappier. “We are painted as barriers and the government is trying to force our compliance. Let me be clear, weaponizing the economy to repress First Nations rights is economic terrorism. It is coercion, plain and simple. It has not place in a country that claims to stand for justice.”

Ramon Kataquapit, Ontario First Nations Young Peoples’ Council member from Attawapiskat First Nation says this moment is an opportunity for youth to rise and stand up for their Nations. He is among a group of collective youth councils starting a movement called Okiniwak, which means the Warrior Peoples’ Movement.

“This will grow across Canada. We’re the generation to make change. A lot of our older generations are scared, they’re traumatized from a life of fighting,” said Kataquapit. “But not to worry, because we’re here. We will continue your fight and ensure our peoples and lands are strong, healthy and prosperous for generations to come.”

Cutting corners on environmental laws will lead to oil spills, mercury poisoning, unsafe drinking water, and irreparable harm to the lands and all living beings.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said First Nations need to stand in unity across Turtle Island to show their strength and support one another.

“The Indian Act, residential schools—those were all things designed to silence us and make us fearful of the government. It still hasn’t worked. We’re still here,” said Grand Council Chief Debassige. “We cannot continue to live in oppression and feel powerless over things that we can change. There are 343 seats in Parliament—but there are hundreds of thousands of Anishinabek people. We can create the change we need.”

The Chiefs of Ontario will continue to advocate for First Nations rights and follow the direction set out by Leadership in this region.

“The Bill C-5 fight is not over. Carney needs support from the other parties in Parliament and you can be sure that they will all be hearing from us in the coming days,” said Regional Chief Benedict.

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The Chiefs of Ontario supports all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction, and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, X, Instagram, or LinkedIn @ChiefsOfOntario

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

Declan Keogh
Strategic Advocacy Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: (514) 591-5375
Email: declan.keogh@coo.org

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