Canada: The Fight is NOT Over!

From the Canadian Blue Community Water Watchers:

✊ The Fight Against Bill 5 is NOT Over! ✊

This week, Doug Ford and his Conservative majority pushed through Bill 5—the so-called “Protect Ontario by Unleashing the Economy Act.”

This devastating legislation guts the Endangered Species Act, threatens Indigenous rights and Treaty obligations, and delivers a direct blow to our democratic process. It prioritizes profit over people, land, and accountability—putting ecosystems, communities, and future generations at risk.

Bill 5 may have passed, but we’re not backing down. We will fight to repeal it—and we won’t stop until this bill is defeated.

Already we have seen an incredible show of solidarity and organizing to stop this bill from passing. On May 28 Water Watchers hosted a Bill 5 Online Rally and Phone Zap. In 20 minutes particpants made over 225 interactions with MPP’s, and since that time 554 phone calls have been made and emails sent to targeted MPPs. This incredible feat is thanks to our incredible supporters.

The Impact of Special Economic Zones and Indigenous Solidarity

Over the past week, several First Nation communities across so-called “Ontario” have spoken out forcefully against Bill 5 and the serious threat it poses to Indigenous Treaty rights and the principle of free, prior, and informed consent.

Every aspect of this bill undermines Indigenous Treaties, rights, and culture. At its core, Bill 5 exists to accelerate the extraction of natural resources from Northern “Ontario” – territory that is home to and stewarded by First Nations communities. This extractive agenda puts the land, waters, species, and sacred sites these communities rely on and protect at grave risk.

The introduction of so-called Special Economic Zones- where developers are exempt from all municipal, provincial, and even federal laws- is a blatant violation of Treaty obligations. These zones give industry a green light to bulldoze sacred burial grounds, destroy archaeological sites, and wipe out critical habitats, all without consequence.

This is not development. It is erasure. And it cannot be allowed to continue.

On May 26 First Nations leadership gathered at Queen’s Park to voice their opposition to the Ford government’s omnibus Bill 5, warning that it threatens inherent rights, Treaty obligations and sovereignty. The government responded with weak amendments and shallow promises that consent would be considered in these zones, however First Nation leaders were clear: unless the bill is scrapped and rewritten giving Indigenous Peoples a seat at the table, they would be idle no more.

And this is exactly what we saw. On June 2 100’s of First Nation Peoples and allies gathered from all across “Ontario” to rally at Queen’s Park in a peaceful protest against Bill 5. Just an hour before the rally began, Indigenous NDP Deputy Leader Sol Mamakwa was removed from legislature for stating “The government said that they respect First Nations, that they respect treaty rights. Speaker, we know the premier is telling untruths to First Nations.”

The passing of Bill 5 and it’s Special Economic Zones is a prime example of Treaty rights and informed consent being continuously violated. As the fight to reverse Bill 5 continues we will continue to stand in solidarity with First Nation communities and centre Indigenous voices.

So, What’s Next?

We remain united in our fight against Bill 5.

The good news? We’ve won before. Just two years ago, Doug Ford backed down on Bill 23 after public pressure forced him to reverse plans to open the Greenbelt to developers. That victory showed what’s possible when we stand together—and this fight is no different. Our resistance will continue in the courts, at rallies, and through direct action.

Since Bill 5 was introduced on April 17, one thing has become crystal clear:

When people come together out of love for the land, we are a force to be reckoned with.

Upcoming Bill 5 Actions

Climate Action Rally Against Ford’s Bill 5!

📆 Saturday June 7, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Dominion Gardens Park
118 Guelph St
Halton Hills, ON
L7G 4A3

The Bill was rushed through and passed this week, but protests and court challenges will continue. This is not a done deal. Continuing outcry will slow implementation of many elements of this bill. It worked for the Greenbelt, it can work again.

Show up, shout out, enjoy the excellent speakers on Saturday. Danny Beaton, Mohawk Turtle Clan will blow his flute to the four winds. Green Party leader Mike Schreiner will explain how to keep pressure on against Bill 5.

Please bring your own BILL 5 posters and signs!

Hosted by Halton Hills Climate Action and Grandmothers Act to Save the Planet

Rally at MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy’s Office

📆 Monday June 9, 2025
🕚 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy’s Office
16635 Yonge St #22
Newmarket, ON
L3X 1V6

Join us as we rally against Bill 5 and for Environmental Protection, Governmental Transparency, and Promoting Democracy. Come as you are, feel free to bring signs and stand together. We will be meeting outside MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy’s office. Parking will be available at 16635 Yonge St.

We will continue to resist Bill 5, standing in unwavering solidarity with First Nation communities and Indigenous voices on the frontlines of this fight.

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed their time, energy, and passion to this movement. Your efforts matter. As the struggle continues, we invite you to keep showing up – together, we will keep saying no to Bill 5.

With Gratitude,
Water Watchers

PS – Need a tax receipt? You can make a donation to ‘Water For Life’ through our charitable partnership with Small Change Fund here!