The chiefs say Ottawa has failed to meet with them despite repeated attempts to initiate dialogue, and denied their request for a carbon tax exemption.

First Nations chiefs in Ontario are asking a court to review the federal government’s “discriminatory” and “anti-reconciliatory” carbon price system, claiming Ottawa has “refused” to negotiate with them.

The Chiefs of Ontario, which represents more than 130 First Nations across the province, has filed an application for judicial review in Federal Court, saying the carbon pricing system has a “disproportionate impact on First Nations and their members.”

“First Nations see the reality of climate change every single day and expect Canada to address it. However, we do not accept a regime that creates new burdens on First Nations which already face deep infrastructure and economic challenges,” said Grand Chief Abram Benedict, environment portfolio lead at Chiefs of Ontario, in a Nov. 30 press release.