Chiefs of Ontario unanimously reject “corrupt” removal of Greenbelt lands

The Chiefs of Ontario (COO) have voted unanimously to demand that Premier Doug Ford commit to all the recommendations outlined in the Auditor General’s report, including the immediate return of all Greenbelt land removed from protection.

During an Emergency Chiefs Assembly, Ontario First Nations leaders gathered to discuss the Auditor General’s Special Report on the Greenbelt as well as the further direction for the relationship between the COO and the provincial government.

The resolutions set in the assembly included a demand for the land previously protected to be returned to Greenbelt status and a call for a criminal investigation into the process with which lands were chosen for removal.

The COO says they will additionally examine the scope of the inquiry of the integrity commissioner and any RCMP investigation as it occurs.

WATCH MORE: Ford ‘confident’ RCMP will find no criminality in Greenbelt land swap

The removal of these lands poses a legal issue particularly with the Williams Treaty Settlement Agreement that details the existing rights within a large part of the Greenbelt, including the rights to harvesting, hunting, fishing and gathering on the lands.

Should the province choose to move forward with the decision to remove lands from Greenbelt protections, there will be a direct interference with these treaty protected rights.

In a statement released Monday, the COO affirms that they remain open to all legal options as the situation continues to progress, but they say they remain hopeful that negotiations with Doug Ford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford and all other relevant ministries can begin prior to exploring legal avenues.

Grand Chief Joel Abram of the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI) says of the matter that, “From First Nations’ point of view, the situation in its entirety is corrupt.”

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The COO emphasized the lack of meaningful and adequate consultation on the proposed Greenbelt rezoning, despite the direct effects the changes have on Indigenous communities inherent, treaty and constitutionally protected rights.

Speaking of the relationship between First Nations communities and the Ford government, Grand Council Chief Reginald Niganobe of the Anishinabek Nation said there is a “strong track record of ignoring First Nation voices and Treaty rights.”

Niganobe went on to say “Anyone who cares about democracy, public trust, and institutions, should be profoundly disturbed by the report and its findings.”

Leaders highlighted that this is not an Indigenous-specific issue. They say all Ontarians should be alarmed with the detrimental effects on the environment and agriculture that could be experienced across the province should the land removal be pursued.

READ MORE: Chronology of key events after Ontario’s decision to develop Greenbelt lands