This Discussion Paper is available in the following languages.
I am delighted to introduce the first issue of our Update on Aboriginal Engagement – Developing A Consultation Approach for Ontario’s Mineral Sector Activities (PDF).
We have launched this newsletter to enhance the way we share information with Aboriginal communities in Ontario and to keep participants up-to-date on progress being made in our Aboriginal Engagement initiative.
In February 2007, my ministry issued a discussion paper and launched public discussions on improving Aboriginal consultation for mineral sector activities. We are currently engaging with Aboriginal communities and organizations, as well as mineral sector stakeholders, to seek input that will help us develop a consultation approach that works for everyone -- Aboriginal communities, Ontario and the mineral industry.
Throughout this process, we have listened carefully to what we have heard. We are also taking note of the direction we have received from the courts.
As a result, we are introducing a transitional approach to consultations that builds on what we’ve learned and allows us to address some key concerns of Aboriginal communities, such as enhanced information sharing regarding claim staking and exploration activity, and withdrawal of important heritage and cultural sites. In addition, we will undertake improvements to our own internal processes and enhance the information we provide to minerals industry clients on when and how to engage Aboriginal communities.
The newsletter provides further details on our transitional approach.
I want to emphasize that measures implemented under this approach are first steps only – they will not narrow the options considered as we continue to collaborate on the development of improved approaches to Aboriginal consultation. They will, however, allow us to improve on existing consultation activities.
Over coming months, as we continue to gather input on our discussion paper and engage communities through our workshop sessions, we will issue regular Updates.
I hope you will enjoy following the progress of our engagement process in this and coming issues of the newsletter. In addition, I urge you to join in the process of building a strong consultative framework by reviewing and commenting on our discussion paper, either electronically or by mail.
Contact us for more information
by email at herbert.shields@ontario.ca,
telephone at
(416) 327-0650
or facsimile at (416) 327-0634.
You may also write to us at:
Towards Developing an Aboriginal Consultation Approach for Mineral Sector Activities
Room 5630, Whitney Block
99 Wellesley St. West
Toronto, ON M7A 1C3
Michael Gravelle
Minister of Northern Development and Mines
Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
Mines and Minerals Division
Aboriginal Relations Unit
933 Ramsey Lake Road, level B6
Sudbury, Ontario P3E 6B5
Tel: 705-670-5743
Fax: 705-670-3010
email: bernie.hughes@ontario.ca
Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
Mines and Minerals Division
Aboriginal Relations Unit
933 Ramsey Lake Road, level B6
Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 6B5
Tel: 705-670-5760
Fax: 705-670-3010
eamil: jennifer.simpson@ontario.ca
Clayton Ralph
Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
Mines and Minerals Division
Aboriginal Relations Unit
933 Ramsey Lake Road, level B6
Sudbury, Ontario P3E 6B5
Tel: 705-670-5773
Fax: 705-670-3010
email: clayton.ralph@ontario.ca
Sharon Reid
Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
Mines and Minerals Division
Aboriginal Relations Unit
435 James Street South, Suite B002
Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 6S7
Tel: 807-475-1100
Fax: 807-475-1112
email: sharon.reid@ontario.ca
Pierre Lefebvre
Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
Mines and Minerals Division
Aboriginal Relations Unit
Ontario Government Complex
P.O. Bag 3060, 5520 Hwy 101 East
South Porcupine, Ontario P0N 1H0
Tel: 705-235-1621
Fax: 705-235-1620
email: pierre.lefebvre@ontario.ca
