Peter Tabuns

ONE YEAR OF BILL 5: MPP MAMAKWA CALLS FOR RENEWED ACTION TO DEFEND FIRST NATIONS INHERENT AND TREATY RIGHTS

SIOUX LOOKOUT – NDP Deputy Leader and Official Opposition critic for Indigenous and Treaty Relations MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong) has released the following statement on the anniversary of Bill 5 officially becoming law in Ontario:

“It’s hard to believe that one year has passed since Bill 5 received Royal Assent at the Legislature to officially become law, after weeks of strong opposition from First Nations rights holders across Ontario and many more concerned community members. In the months after it passed, the voices speaking out against Bill 5 have gotten quieter. Meanwhile, the Government has been moving forward with regulations and policy changes to put Bill 5’s provisions into effect.”

“It's not about being pro-development or anti-development. It’s about making sure that First Nations Treaty and Inherent rights are respected first and foremost. This includes the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. We are seeing the federal and provincial governments use different tactics to control the timelines and parameters for consultation, while also trying divide and conquer our Nations. They are adjusting their laws to undermine First Nations and rights holders, instead of respecting the laws that are in place.”

“First Nations have lived on these lands since time immemorial, and we must remind these Governments that consent to change these lands is not a choice. It is a requirement.”

“So, as we mark one year since Bill 5 became law, I am calling for action from rightsholders and leadership across Ontario, and especially in the North. There is so much going on in our communities, but we must unite to stand up for our Treaty and Inherent rights and defend the land from developments taking place without the Free, Prior and Informed Consent of all impacted rights holders.”

Sol Mamakwa

MPP TABUNS INTRODUCES PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL TO PREPARE ONTARIO FOR HOTTER TEMPERATURES

QUEEN’S PARK ~ Ontario NDP Shadow Environment Minister Peter Tabuns (Toronto Danforth) introduced a private member’s bill today, Adapting to a hotter Ontario, creating a framework for Ontario’s approach to protecting lives and property from rising global temperatures.

The bill would also revise the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect workers from hotter conditions, and begin the process of planning for and preventing urban wildfires. It was co-sponsored by MPPs Jamie West (Sudbury), Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale), and Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre).

“The Ford government can always find $30 million dollars for the Premier’s luxury private jet, and time for lobbyists at cozy fundraisers,” said Tabuns. “But suddenly they can’t find the money or the time to protect Ontarians from the impacts of climate change.

“The cost of the Premier’s inaction will be severe, and will be paid by hard-working Ontarians. As temperatures rise, so too will the costs of food, housing, and insurance. Workers will be endangered by sweltering heat and the heightened risk of wildfires.

“Doug Ford has a responsibility to protect the people of Ontario from the impacts of climate change. By supporting this bill, he can take a meaningful step toward doing so.”

FULL STATEMENT + Supporting Quotes & Link to Bill 130, Adapting to a Hotter Ontario Act, 2026

Kristyn Wong-Tam Jamie West NDP Jessica Bell Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) Seniors for Climate Action Now

MPP TABUNS INTRODUCES PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL TO PREPARE ONTARIO FOR HOTTER TEMPERATURES MPP, Toronto-Danforth

Looking forward to this exciting discussion with my co-host Dr. Samantha Green and such an amazing panel.
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