The provincial police in Marathon are warning of potential traffic delays on Highway 17 east of Marathon.
“Slowdowns on Highway 17 east of Marathon and west of White River may periodically delay or interrupt the normal flow of traffic on area highways,” said the OPP in a release. “The OPP’s objective is to maintain the safe flow of traffic and, when delays occur, restore traffic flow in the safest manner possible.”
This comes amid protests against Bill 5 being held by Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert First Nation).
The First Nation plans to continue protesting on Thursday and Friday.
“We are protecting what Ontario is willing to sacrifice: our environment, our sovereignty, and our future,” said Chief Louis Kwissiwa. “Through these peaceful protests, we are fighting back for everything we have worked towards in land protection, governance, and self-determination. Premier Ford may believe he is unleashing the economy, but he is unleashing the resistance.”
According to the First Nation, Ontario’s Bill 5, which was passed earlier this year, allows the provincial government to bypass Indigenous consultation, suspend environmental and cultural protections, and designate “Special Economic Zones” without the free, prior, and informed consent of First Nations.
