Ford promises mining projects won't proceed without First Nations consultation after backlash
After meeting with 39 Anishinabek Nation chiefs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford reversed his position and pledged that no mining or development projects in First Nations communities — including in the Ring of Fire — will move forward without their consultation.
The meeting follows weeks of growing resistance to Bill 5, with First Nations leaders saying it was passed without meaningful consultation and warning the law violates treaty rights. Some have signalled potential blockades of roads, railways and mining sites if the province proceeds.
Ford had warned such actions would not be 'wise,' saying, 'They need to move on or they'll be dealt with appropriately,' but following his meeting, his tone shifted significantly.
In a joint press conference on Thursday with First Nations leaders, Ford said the meeting with the chiefs was 'productive' and added that critical mineral development — a key part of Ontario's economic strategy — cannot happen without partnership with Indigenous communities.
'Nothing moves without First Nations consultation — respecting the duty to consult and making sure we work together,' Ford said. 'We're going to get through this, and we're going to have a great collaboration.'
First Nations leaders who attended the meeting said the premier's apology was welcome, but did not change their position. 'Our nations remain opposed to Bill 5,' said Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige of the Anishinabek Nation. 'This was not a consultation — it was our first conversation.'
Ford also intends to visit First Nations communities to hear their needs directly — whether related to water, long-term care, or infrastructure. 'When First Nations prosper, Ontario prospers,' he said. 'And when Ontario prospers, Canada prospers.'
After meeting with 39 Anishinabek Nation chiefs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford reversed his position and pledged that no mining or development projects in First Nations communities will move forward without their consultation.
Ford also apologized for remarks he made on Wednesday, when he said First Nations were coming 'hat-in-hand' for money from his government while rejecting resource development.
At the heart of the legislation is a provision that allows the provincial cabinet to create 'special economic zones,' where selected projects and developers could be exempt from environmental regulations and planning laws — undermining First Nations consultation. The government has already signalled its intent to designate the Ring of Fire as a 'special economic zone' under the new law.
Tools for consultation
Debassige said the meeting focused on broader treaty responsibilities, but not on the legislative substance of the bill. 'Our First Nations have said, and continue to say, that we are not opposed to development; however, it must be done with us as true partners.'
She added that the Ontario government has now officially recognized that lands and resources are not theirs to give, exploit or regulate as economic corridors.
Laura Bowman, a lawyer with Ecojustice, says the Ford government's approach to consultation under Bill 5 falls far short of constitutional obligations. 'You can't fulfill the duty to consult after removing the tools needed to do it,' she said. 'The duty to consult requires more than just meetings … It requires information-sharing, clear regulatory frameworks and enforceable mechanisms to accommodate First Nations' rights.'
Bowman says by exempting certain projects from environmental assessments and planning laws, the province is depriving First Nations of critical information — such as how development may affect local wildlife, water or culturally significant lands — and removing the legal tools needed to negotiate protections or alternatives.
'The government has passed a law without telling communities how it will be used, what projects will be exempt or what safeguards will remain,' she said. 'That's not consultation — that's bypassing the entire process.'
Bowman told Canada's National Observer the province needs to change the special economic zone provision of the bill to include clear rules for consent, environmental oversight and real engagement.
Sara Mainville, an Anishinaabe lawyer, said many First Nations are exploring legal avenues to challenge the bill.
'Right now, the idea that we should just trust them is a non-starter for First Nations,' she said. 'There's no trust right now.'
NDP MPP: 'We are not stakeholders. We are treaty partners.'
Sol Mamakwa, the NDP MPP for Kiiwetinoong and the only First Nations member of the Ontario Legislature, said Ford's change in tone is welcome — but not enough.
'The premier seems to have realized that this can't move forward without First Nations,' Mamakwa said. 'But let's be clear — this wasn't consultation. And we're not stakeholders. We're treaty partners.'
Mamakwa told Canada's National Observer Bill 5 backs Indigenous communities 'into a corner' and warned that the only recourse left may be legal or direct action. 'If we're not part of the decision-making from the start, it's not reconciliation. It's just politics.'
Mainville told Canada's National Observer the government must be transparent about how it plans to fulfill its constitutional duty to consult First Nations and Métis peoples — especially since Bill 5 exempts major projects from key legislation that would normally trigger such consultation.
'Without a clear regulatory path, what's left is political promises,' she said, 'and First Nations have seen how those can shift.'
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