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.

Premier Doug Ford unveiled plans on Tuesday for a five-storey, $400-million parking garage on prime Toronto waterfront land at Ontario Place, attracting new criticism for his controversial redevelopment of the provincial site.

The government also released new designs for fountains, elaborate playgrounds and public gathering places as part of a promised additional 50 acres of park and public amenities at Ontario Place, where its previously announced marquee plans include a massive spa-and-waterpark complex and the relocated Ontario Science Centre.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has apologized for warning that First Nations cannot “keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government” if they oppose mining or other resource projects – comments Indigenous leaders condemned as racist.

The Premier met on Thursday with chiefs from the Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 of Ontario’s 133 First Nations chiefs, to discuss his government’s contentious legislation to speed up resource projects, known as Bill 5.