By Mike Aiken
Miner and News
Tuesday May 27, 2008
Premier Dalton McGuinty's been dragging his feet for five years on
Mining Act reforms, and the result has been more confrontation with
First Nation leaders.
This was the message from Ontario NDP Leader Howard Hampton Monday as
he took the case of the KI 6 to the legislature.
"The McGuinty Liberals have been in power for more than five years and
continue to talk about changes to the Mining Act, but all we hear is
talk. The McGuinty Liberals could immediately bring in a regulation
that would be an important first step in ensuring First Nations
consultation. But the Premier refused," said Hampton.
"We see in Ontario today First Nation leaders being imprisoned because
of the McGuinty government's failure to consult and accommodate First
Nations prior to allowing mineral exploration on their traditional
territories. The McGuinty government could immediately address this
embarrassment. Instead, the Premier refuses," he added.
Hampton's questions follow the release of band councillors from Big
Trout Lake, also know as Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug. While the six
community leaders were allowed to return to their community over the
weekend, they're due back in Toronto for a series of rallies before a
court date Wednesday.
If they're unsuccessful in their appeal Wednesday, the community
leaders could be back in jail again, setting the stage for the second
annual Day of Action Thursday, May 29.
Balance needed: Gravelle
Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle responded by
saying he didn't hear Hampton bringing this issue up five years ago,
and the ministry had been working hard on reforming the act since his
appointment last fall.
"We must get a full consultation process to move forward," he said,
during a brief interview.
The minister refused to consider implementing a moratorium on the
issuing of mining permits until the reforms had been put in place,
saying this wasn't a time for unilateral action.
"We want to be sure and get a full consultation process, before we move
forward," he stressed.
Mining regulation in Ontario dates back to before Confederation. The
latest overhaul of the act was in 1990, with amendments as recent as
last year.
Premier weighs in
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty also addressed the issue during a press
conference at Queen's Park Monday afternoon.
In response to a question on the subject, McGuinty said he was looking
for a balance between the need to encourage investments that create
jobs in rural and northern Ontario, the importance of aboriginal rights
to be consulted on development on their traditional lands, as well as
the benefits associated with preserving the boreal forest as a carbon
sink that could help our environment.
"So, it's pretty complicated and we're working hard now with a number
of ministries to come up with a proposal, which we will then be able to
consult on," said the premier Monday afternoon.
Not just aboriginals
Dalles band councillor Tania Cameron, who is also the federal NDP
candidate, spoke with the KI 6 over the weekend, and emphasized the
group are ready for what ever's ahead.
"They're ready for whatever is to come. They're ready to make history,"
she said Monday.
Cameron noted the issue of consent before development doesn't just
apply to First Nations. It also applied to municipalities and cottage
owners, she added.
"They have to be engaged," she said.
'Let them free"
In an echo of last spring's show of solidarity with First Nations, city
councillor Rory McMillan repeated his position that the band
councillors should not be in jail.
"I think it's very wrong that they're in jail, and it's my sincere hope
that the court will see fit to release them," he said Monday afternoon.
"Let them free!" he added.
Liberals agree
In Ottawa, aboriginal affairs critic Anita Neville spoke on behalf of
Kenora MP Roger Valley, who was traveling.
"We have grave concerns about the fact that they are in jail. I think
there's some injustice to it," she said, hoping the wisdom of the
courts will prevail.
While he appreciated and respected the importance of the issues at
hand, federal Conservative candidate Greg Rickford reserved comment on
the issue, saying he acts as legal counsel for an organization that
involves the First Nation community of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug,
and it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the situation.
