Urgent Resistance Grows Against Ontario’s Bill 5 in Kingston

UPDATE: A powerful resistance movement against Ontario’s controversial Bill 5 is gaining momentum, as nearly 200 people gathered in Kingston on September 29, 2023, to voice their concerns. The event, held at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, featured Indigenous land defenders and environmental advocates united against the recently enacted legislation.

Bill 5, passed earlier this year, empowers the government to create “special economic zones” that can sidestep provincial laws and environmental protections. This controversial measure has sparked outrage, particularly regarding its implications for the Ring of Fire, a mineral-rich area within Treaty 9 territory vital to the Omushkego Cree.

Attendee Cassie Chen expressed her concerns, stating, “Ontario’s Bill 5 is ridiculous. It ruins environmental protection.” Chen, a Kingston resident, emphasized the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in the conversation. “The legislation benefits a select few companies at the expense of First Nations communities, which is really cruel,” she added.

Traveling from Guelph, Mike Marcolongo, associate director with Environmental Defence Canada, highlighted the growing discontent among Ontarians regarding this legislation. “There’s a lot of distrust about the process,” Marcolongo said, noting the shift of decision-making power from Parliament to a small group of officials.

“What’s different here is this is very much a grassroots movement, similar to what happened with Idle No More,” Marcolongo remarked. “The seeds are being planted for a grassroots pushback.”

The event showcased a significant collaboration among Indigenous communities, settlers, and environmentalists, signaling a united front against the perceived overreach of government power. “This is just the beginning of the movement,” Marcolongo asserted, emphasizing that the duty to consult Indigenous rights and protect nature is essential, not “red tape.”

Local MPP Ted Hsu also attended, stating, “Even if you’re not Indigenous, if you care about fairness, you should care about Bill 5.” He underscored the potential long-term consequences of allowing the government to exempt companies from provincial laws, warning that it could affect citizens’ own backyards.

As this grassroots resistance unfolds, the urgency for action against Bill 5 resonates with many. The Kingston event is a clear indication that opposition is not only widespread but also fiercely organized. Activists are calling for heightened awareness and mobilization to protect both environmental integrity and Indigenous rights.

This gathering is part of a larger series titled “Standing for the Land: Taking on Bill 5,” reflecting a determined community response to a legislative measure that many believe threatens the future of Ontario’s natural landscapes and Indigenous sovereignty.

The situation continues to develop, with more events planned and public discussions anticipated. Observers are urged to stay informed as the movement against Bill 5 gains traction across Ontario and beyond.