OTTAWA, ON – May 28th, 2025
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is deeply concerned about Bill 5, Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 and the potential threat it poses to Métis and First Nations rights in Ontario.
The MNO fully supports efforts to grow Ontario’s economy—but these efforts cannot come at the expense of Indigenous rights, environmental protections, or the Crown’s constitutional duty to consult and accommodate. Indigenous rights, including the rights of Métis communities in Ontario, must be respected in this province.
In its current form, Bill 5 introduces significant amendments to eight provincial statutes and establishes a new Special Economic Zones Act. These changes prioritize regulatory speed and ministerial discretion over meaningful consultation, transparency, and Indigenous participation. They may weaken environmental and cultural safeguards and risk sidelining Indigenous peoples from decisions that affect their rights, territories, and futures.
“Métis rights in Ontario are a matter of settled law,” said Margaret Froh, President of the MNO. “The rule of law demands that the Crown uphold its legal obligations to consult with the recognized rights-bearing Métis communities in Ontario. Ontario’s economic growth must not come at the cost of Métis communities. Instead, it should reflect a distinctions-based approach to partnership, one that includes Métis people in the decisions and benefits of development while upholding the hard-won legal recognition of our Section 35 rights.”
The MNO is calling for a constructive path forward. One that honours the Crown’s constitutional obligations, supports reconciliation, and ensures Ontario’s economic progress includes—and respects the rights of—rights-bearing Métis communities and First Nations in Ontario.
Click here to read the MNO’s full written submission on Bill 5.
About the MNO:
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is the democratically elected—federally and provincially-recognized government of Métis citizens and communities in Ontario, including the Métis community in and around Sault Ste. Marie that was recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada in R v. Powley.
Media inquiries: Media@metisnation.org