By Marissa Lentz-McGrath, Local Journalism Initiative, TimminsToday.com Mushkegowuk Council’s grand chief is calling on the Ontario government to withdraw its controversial Bill 5. Grand Chief Leo Friday said recent amendments don’t address the fundamental issue: the province’s failure to recognize the right of First Nations to free, prior and informed consent. “Adding clarification regarding ‘consultation’ does nothing to address the true issue,” said Friday in a statement on May 29. “We have seen the Crown dishonour the concept of consultation so that it has become essentially meaningless.” Bill 5, also known as the Protecting Ontario by Enabling Economic Growth Act, would allow the province to fast-track development by creating “special economic zones” and exempting select projects from environmental laws, municipal bylaws, and consultation requirements with Indigenous communities. On Thursday the…
Register
