Four First Nations say Ontario not consulting them on mining projects – CIM Magazine
March 30, 2023
Leaders of northern Ontario First Nations called out the province’s amendments to the Mining Act that would speed up mine development timelines
Four Ontario First Nations called out the provincial government for failing to adequately consult with them on mining activity near their communities as the province seeks to amend the Mining Act to fast-track the time it takes to get mines built.
Leaders of the Neskantaga, Grassy Narrows, Muskrat Dam and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nations also called out the steep increase in staking on their territories over the past few years during a March 29 press conference at Queen’s Park.
“Right now, you see the government fast-tracking their legislative agenda to access our traditional homelands, and that’s just unacceptable,” said Neskantaga Chief Wayne Moonias. “We’ve been very consistent with our position – until such time as we provide free, prior and informed consent to plans on our homelands, they will not be.”
Neskantaga is one of several First Nations that will be impacted by mineral development in the Ring of Fire region in the James Bay lowlands of northern Ontario, and one of the access roads to the region is set to run through the Nation’s territory.
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