Ontario First Nations leaders say they want the province to kill a controversial bill. Bill 5, or the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, includes major changes to the province’s endangered species and environmental protection laws. The bill would create “special economic zones” that would suspend laws for certain projects. Premier Ford has said the Ring of Fire mineral deposit in northern Ontario and his proposed tunnel under Highway 401 would be given that special status under the proposed law. The bill has drawn criticism from First Nations, environmentalists and legal advocates. …Alvin Fiddler, grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, said if the bill is passed, First Nations communities will take a stand. …The Ford government has said the bill is intended to speed up approvals as an urgent response to the economic threats posed by President Trump and his tariffs. ….Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said Monday that the province is willing to consider changes.
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