They’re putting the First Nations history at risk,’ says northern Ontario archeologist about Bill 5 – CBC

May 05, 2025

A proposed omnibus bill in Ontario meant to speed up development could lead to fewer archeological assessments

An archeologist from northern Ontario says he’s concerned about new provincial legislation that could exempt some archeological requirements for certain developments in an effort to build faster.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Bill 5, also known as the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, at the Toronto Stock Exchange on April 17.

The provincial government says the omnibus bill would cut red tape and duplicative processes that have held back major infrastructure, mining and resource development projects.