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.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton condemned the McGuinty Liberals for awarding Platinex Inc. 72,000 acres of new mining claims in Northern Ontario.

“It’s outrageous that the McGuinty Liberals awarded Platinex new mining rights to 72,000 acres of land while leaders from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) continue to languish in jail,” said Hampton.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton continues to press for justice for jailed Ontario aboriginal leaders.

During today’s Question Period, Hampton reiterated concerns expressed at a large rally at Ryerson University held in support of the jailed aboriginal leaders from Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) and Ardoch Algonquin First Nations.

NDP Leader and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton today met with Chief Donny Morris of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) at the Thunder Bay Corrections Centre. Hampton was accompanied by NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy and Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.

NDP Leader Howard Hampton condemned the McGuinty Liberals for bungling Aboriginal relations following the revelations that NAN First Nations suspended Northern Table negotiations with the McGuinty government.

Ontario’s First Nation communities need a Resource Revenue Sharing agreement with the McGuinty Liberals before loan guarantees, said NDP Leader Howard Hampton.

“Ontario’s First Nations, especially those in the North, have substantial mineral and resource wealth on their traditional land, but the standard of living on many First Nations is among the lowest in Canada. The McGuinty Liberals need to stop ignoring First Nations and start treating them fairly – starting with a fair revenue sharing, so they can benefit from the resource wealth on their traditional lands,” said Hampton.