Critics object to lack of consultation with First Nations, fear long-term damage to the environment
Cutting bureaucratic red tape at Queen’s Park to expedite the process of putting more mines into production isn’t flying with Indigenous leadership across Ontario.
The Chiefs of Ontario are throwing their support behind the Matawa Chiefs Council and their position that the provincial government reneged on its duty to consult and accommodate with First Nations ahead of introducing changes to the Mining Act.
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They side with MiningWatch Canada’s stance that these proposed changes will reduce mining companies' responsibilities to post upfront financial assurance to cover the remediation costs once a mine closes and give companies more leeway, with less government oversight, in their mine site rehabilitation plans.
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