The Canadian Press An organization representing Ontario First Nations launched a constitutional challenge against the province and the government of Canada on Tuesday, alleging First Nations are being denied equal access to justice. A statement of claim filed by the Chiefs of Ontario says that many provincial and federal laws — including those related to tenancy, land management and environmental protection — don’t apply on reserves. While First Nations can make their own laws and bylaws to fill in those gaps, they aren’t effective without enforcement and prosecution, the document says. The lawsuit alleges the governments do not provide enforcement or prosecution services in relation to First Nations laws, nor do they provide enough funding for First Nations to hire their own enforcement officers or prosecutors. The lawsuit argues the…
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