Exploring Theme: "Duty to Consult/FPIC"

TORONTO – Six regional First Nations have filed a case with the Ontario Superior Court to challenge the province’s Mining Act as an unconstitutional violation of their treaty and Charter equality rights. A news conference was held at Queen’s Park on August 12 to publicly announce the case and address questions from the media. Apitipi Anicinapek Nation...

MiningWatch Canada advocate wonders ‘what’s left to cut?’ CBC News: The Ontario government’s proposed changes to mining regulations are drawing concern among mining critics and advocates for First Nations. Kate Kempton represents the northern Ontario First Nations of Attawapiskat, Ginoogaming, Constance Lake and Aroland. In 2021, Attawapiskat, Neskantaga and Fort Albany signed a moratorium on new developments in...

Changes to Mining Act aim to boost production of critical minerals, essential for EV batteries CBC News: Premier Doug Ford’s government will propose on Thursday changes to the laws governing approval of mining projects to boost Ontario’s production of minerals essential to electric vehicle batteries and other technologies, CBC News has learned.  The changes would speed up...

Policy Options – “Pandemic shouldn’t impede meaningful Indigenous engagement on Ring of Fire”. Ontario government announced that “a regional assessment of potential mining operations for the Ring of Fire will be undertaken”. The announcement only posted on the agency website severely impacts the ability of First Nations to meaningfully engage in the consulting process. Only...

CBC – Repeal of the “Far North Act“ to reduce restrictions on projects like all-season roads, electrical transmission projects and development of the Ring of Fire “doesn’t do enough to protect the rights of First Nations and will likely lead to “renewed conflict” with Indigenous communities, according to Dayna Scott, an associate professor at Osgoode...