NDP Leader Howard Hampton is demanding the McGuinty Liberals place Aboriginal rights ahead of mining rights.

“With First Nation leaders in jail because they were forced to stand up and protect their Aboriginal rights and traditional lands, the McGuinty Liberals continue to put mining interests ahead of Aboriginal interests,” said Hampton.

Today, Hampton joined hundreds of First Nations leaders and supporters at a Queen’s Park rally, where speakers voiced their anger at the McGuinty government’s failure to properly consult the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) and Ardoch Algonquin First Nations regarding mineral exploration on their traditional lands and the subsequent jailing of their First Nation leaders.

Hampton said the McGuinty Liberals could remove the lands from mineral exploration, and begin proper consultations with First Nations, but refuse to do so. The NDP leader has been pressuring the McGuinty Liberals for the immediate and unconditional release of jailed KI and Ardoch leaders.

“Awarding Platinex new mining rights to 72,000 acres of land while leaders from KI continue to languish in jail sends a chilling message to First Nations across the North. The McGuinty Liberals’ complete and utter failure to assume its constitutional responsibility to consult with First Nations communities regarding mineral exploration on their traditional lands will have devastating implications,” said Hampton.