Here We Stand has issued this URGENT CALL TO ACTION: Protect Indigenous land defenders and the right to peaceful protest!
It says: “Ontario is considering new measures that raise serious concerns about freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, expanded police powers, and the protection of Indigenous and Treaty rights. These proposals could have consequences for Indigenous land defenders working to protect their lands, waters, and rights.”
“Land defenders— not protesters”
“Particularly within the Ring of Fire, Doug Ford’s government is looking to change the law to target Indigenous ‘protesters’ in the Ring of Fire. Those who protest on the road, development— and more will be open to immediate arrest. We have said before and will continue to say we are land defenders— not protesters.”
“Permanent joint encampment”
“Here We Stand has permanent joint encampment on the ground with Neskantaga to the path to the Ring of Fire. This directly targets us on the land and responding on the ground to Bill 5, Bill 140, Bill C-5, and Bill C-39.”
Seeking feedback by October 31, 2026
The Government of Ontario says it is: “Seeking feedback on potential measures to support public safety and promote economic development by facilitating barrier-free access to key economic and community infrastructure”.
Here We Stand provides a sample letter here to respond to that Government of Ontario call for feedback.
That sample letter notes: “The proposal raises serious concerns about the potential criminalization or penalization of legitimate peaceful protests, including Indigenous-led demonstrations to protect rights, lands and waters.”
And it highlights: “We are deeply concerned that these proposals will disproportionately impact Indigenous land protectors, contrary to Canada’s obligations under the Target 22 of the United Nations Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This Target calls for the ‘full protection of environmental human rights defenders’, recognizing that they are at the ‘forefront of protecting biodiversity by monitoring and exposing environmental violations, promoting sustainable practices and advocating for a human rights-based approach to conservation efforts’.”
You can submit your comment to the Government of Ontario here.
Urgent call to action on Instagram.
Additional reading
–Limiting Protests on “Key Infrastructure”: The Ontario government is asking for feedback from the public on potential new legislation that would address growing concerns around blocking access to cultural sites and other businesses (Evan Perry, On The Record, Toronto Metropolitan University School of Journalism, October 22, 2026)
–Ontario launches public consultation on new measures to limit protests blocking ‘key infrastructure’ (CTV News, October 2, 2026).
