News Release

Ontario Government Engages With Aboriginal Communities On Mining-related Consultations

February 22, 2007

Discussions Explore How To Reflect Aboriginal Rights-based Consultation Processes In Mineral Sector Activities

SUDBURY –  The Ontario government is initiating public discussions on how to develop mining-related guidelines that will help Ontario enhance its consultations with Aboriginal communities on activities that may impact their constitutionally protected rights, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced today.

“We are committed to meeting our constitutional duty to consult on activities related to the Mining Act,” said Bartolucci.  “This initiative will help the government ensure that mineral sector activities occur in a manner consistent with Ontario’s consultation obligations related to Aboriginal and treaty rights, and support the promotion of positive mineral sector relations with Aboriginal communities.”

To foster broad discussions, the Ontario government has released a discussion paper outlining possible approaches.  The paper, which reflects objectives outlined in Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy, has been posted on the Environmental Registry.  It is available on the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines website in English, French and Cree.  Ojibwa and Oji Cree will follow as soon as translations are available.

“When developed, the guidelines will also strengthen northern and rural communities by enhancing long-term certainty and sustainability for Ontario’s mining industry,” said Bartolucci. 

The ministry will be engaging communities, Aboriginal organizations and industry directly, through a series of facilitated discussions and other events.  It will also establish several working groups to consider key aspects of the process, with participation from Aboriginal communities and organizations, the mineral sector and other key stakeholder groups.

The McGuinty government is undertaking a series of initiatives to develop more effective consultation processes for the mining sector, and to foster productive relationships among Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal organizations, the mineral sector and government.  These include:

• Engaging in collaborative geoscience and communication projects with several First Nations under the Far North Geological Mapping Initiative
• Delivering prospecting training directly to First Nation communities
• Hiring Aboriginal community members to work on ministry mapping and communication projects
• Sponsoring Aboriginal participation at technical, marketing and industry events to encourage stronger relationships and clearer communication between industry and First Nation communities
• Partnering with First Nations, industry and Confederation College to implement a “Basic Line Cutting Course”
• Ensuring Aboriginal representation on a number of ministry committees and advisory councils, including the Far North Northern Development Council, the Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council, and the Minister’s Mining Act Advisory Committee.

Announced in March 2006, Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy is part of the government’s Northern Prosperity Plan.  The plan’s four pillars are: Strengthening the North and its Communities; Listening to and Serving Northerners Better; Competing Globally; and Providing Opportunities for All.

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Contacts:

Laura Blondeau
Minister’s Office – Sudbury
(705) 564-7454 

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