Schreiner Backs First Nations Court Challenge to Bill 5

July 16, 2025

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner released the following statement, expressing his support for the First Nations leaders taking the Ford government to court over Bill 5.

Green Party of Ontario

Wed, Jul 16, 11:23 AM

to Emily, bcc: staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2025

Schreiner Backs First Nations Court Challenge to Bill 5

QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner released the following statement, expressing his support for the First Nations leaders taking the Ford government to court over Bill 5

“First Nations have had no choice but to take this matter to court because the Ford government completely ignored First Nations rights and waived all protections for workers, the environment, and cultural history when it rammed Bill 5 through the legislature.

Doug Ford ignored repeated calls from all opposition parties, as well as legal experts and Indigenous leaders, to kill this bill and rework it in meaningful partnership with the very communities whose lands and futures are at stake.

Bill 5 undermines First Nations rights, environmental and worker protections, and puts Ontario’s land and water at risk. It has delayed development by dragging this into the courts.

Sadly, this is a pattern. It’s not the first time this government has introduced legislation that blatantly disregards constitutional obligations. Doug Ford continues to waste taxpayer dollars defending his irresponsible bills in court.

Yes, we need to get projects built, especially in times of economic uncertainty. But it must happen the right way: with meaningful consultation and consent from First Nations from day one. Not after legislation is introduced. Not after backroom deals are made.

The Ford government’s history of using a calculated PR strategy to pit First Nations’ rights against Ontario’s economic development is not only harmful and disingenuous, but it’s counterproductive.

The Ontario Greens call on the provincial government to immediately reverse Bill 5, commit to genuine consultation, and work with First Nations toward development that respects land, water, animals and Indigenous rights.”

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