Chiefs in Ontario call for $66.5M to fund major projects consultations – CBC

Oct 21, 2025

Ontario regional chief says First Nations are already overwhelmed with consultation requests

Ontario chiefs are calling for at least $500,000 per First Nation in funding from the federal government to cover the costs of consultation requests on projects fast-tracked under Bill C-5.

Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict said First Nations were already inundated with consultation requests before Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act, was passed in June. The new law empowers cabinet to fast-track major projects deemed to be in the national interest.