Ontario Premier Doug Ford is retracting a vow he made last week to have his province issue its own work permits to asylum seekers in the face of what he said were federal government delays that have left refugee applicants in limbo for two years.

Last Wednesday, Mr. Ford had told reporters after a conference with his fellow premiers that his province would step into the federal government’s purview and issue its own work permits to ensure that refugee applicants could enter the labour force more quickly. But on Monday, he called a press conference and reversed himself.

Significantly more Canadians believe their federal and provincial governments are working well together than a year ago, according to new public opinion data released ahead of a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and the country’s premiers.

National survey results, unveiled on Sunday, show 52 per cent of respondents agreeing that the federal and provincial governments are working very well or somewhat well together, an increase of 13 percentage points from 2024.

First Nations leaders have opposed both the federal government’s Bill C-5 and Ontario’s Bill 5, pieces of legislation that would allow the two governments extraordinary powers to ignore existing laws – including environmental regulations – to fast-track megaprojects such as mines or pipelines.

They say the two bills run roughshod over the constitutional requirement that governments consult First Nations about development on their traditional territories. A group of nine First Nations in Ontario launched a constitutional challenge this week of both Ontario’s and Canada’s bills.

A group of First Nations in Ontario has filed a constitutional challenge of two bills passed by both the province and the federal government aimed at speeding up the construction of mines, pipelines and other projects.

Lawyers acting for nine First Nations filed the application in Ontario Superior Court this week, claiming the provincial and federal laws allow development to be rammed through without proper consultation with Indigenous people.