Ford says blockades wouldnt be very wise as government moves to pass Bill 5 [Video]

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says First Nations groups who blockade critical infrastructure will be “dealt with appropriately” as tensions peak over his controversial mining legislation, with expectations it could pass today.

Among other changes, Bill 5, or the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, will create so-called special economic zones where a range of laws, ranging from municipal approvals to environmental rules or even labour law, won’t apply.

The proposed law has sparked protests from First Nations leaders at Queen’s Park who fear it will infringe upon their rights. They have threatened that if the bill passes, more protests will follow, including the possible blockade of highways, railways and mines.

On Wednesday, Ford addressed the potential for protests if his legislation passes and warned Indigenous leaders not to disrupt infrastructure around the province.

“You can’t break the law, simple as that,” the premier said. “If any of us were to go stand and block the highway …