QUEEN’S PARK – Howard Hampton, NDP MPP for Kenora—Rainy River, today said that if the McGuinty government wants to develop the mining potential of the Ring of Fire region, it must begin with an open and honest consultation and accommodation of the rights and interests of the First Nation communities who live there.
“While the McGuinty government boasts, two of the six First Nations located closest to the Ring of Fire are continuing to conduct a blockade at the ice landing strips that you approved and meant to service the mining industry,” said Hampton during Question Period.
“Kasabonika Lake First Nation has dozens of members of their community who are trained in prospecting and mining exploration. How many of those people are being employed by the companies who are interested in the Ring of Fire? Zero,” he added.
“Eabametoong First Nation hears over the news that a company is considering building a 400-kilometre railway through their traditional territory. Yet there has been no consultation or discussion with this First Nation,” he pointed out.
“Did the McGuinty Liberals learn anything from the debacle you created between Platinex and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation? It doesn’t seem so, because you seem to be on the same road here,” said Hampton, referencing the mining claims near Big Trout Lake First Nation abandoned by the platinum exploration company Platinex in December of last year in exchange for $5-million from government coffers.
The McGuinty Liberals failed to consult and accommodate KI First Nation which led to a serious disagreement and dispute that harmed the First Nation and was a national embarrassment for the McGuinty government.
“The First Nations located near the Ring of Fire (Webequie, Kasibonika Lake, Summer Beaver, Neskantaga, Eabametoong, Marten Falls, and Attiwapiskat) need to see real consultation and accommodation from the Ontario government. They want an agreement that safeguards their natural environment, provides revenue sharing, real jobs and economic benefits from any mining development that occurs in the Ring of Fire region,” Hampton said.
