First Nations threaten highway blockages over Ford governments Bill 5 [Video]

The leader of an Ontario First Nation is warning the Ford government it could face lawsuits, protests and disruptions of major Toronto-area highways if the province passes the controversial Bill 5 into law.

The legislation, which critics say gives the premier and his cabinet extraordinary powers to create “no law zones” across Ontario, is set to be fast-tracked this week before MPPs break for the summer.

Once it passes, the government is promising to honour its duty to consultation obligations by meeting with First Nations during the summer about its proposal to create Indigenous-led economic zones, allowing Northern Ontario communities to fast-track infrastructure projects.

First Nation leaders, however, have already signalled the Ford government’s efforts have fallen flat with Indigenous communities, which are now preparing for an Idle No More-style confrontation.

“It’s going to start to look like rallies. It could look like highways being shut down during major weekends, that Ontarians …