Matawa First Nations Stand Up Against Ontario’s ‘Building More Mines Act’ with Formal Response to Government Hearings – NetNewsLedger
April 4, 2023
THUNDER BAY – INDIGENOUS – Matawa member First Nations have shared their concerns about the impact of Ontario’s new “Building More Mines Act,” also known as Bill 71. The Act was introduced in the Queen’s Park on March 2, 2023, by the Honourable George Pirie, Mines Minister. Matawa Chiefs Council has issued a formal response to the Standing Committee on the Interior, ahead of the hearings to be held in Timmins and Sudbury on April 5 and 6, respectively.
The response from Matawa Chiefs Council highlighted several key points. Firstly, the First Nations were informed of the amendments, but not consulted. Secondly, the proposed ‘Recovery’ Permits could potentially avoid the duty to consult and accommodate, historic grievances and new revenue interests in closed mines now being reassessed and returned to production. Thirdly, the province of Ontario proposes to privatize or self-monitor mines on mine closure plans, which raises concerns about accountability for mine closure responsibilities.
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