Environmental groups call for changes

Toronto, July 30 - The proposed meeting dates and locations of the Committee reviewing Bill 191, An Act with respect to land use planning and protection in the Far North, will virtually shut First Nations communities out of these public hearings, say six leading environmental groups in Ontario.

The Standing Committee on General Government intends to hold public hearings in Toronto on August 6, 2009 and in Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Chapleau and Timmins the week of August 10, 2009. The latter dates are being held at the exact same time as the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Chiefs Assembly (known as the Keewaywin) in Chapleau when First Nation leadership will be engaged in elections and other matters. Also, the Standing Committee is not planning to go into the Far North where the communities most affected by the Bill live.

"This is not acceptable," says Janet Sumner of CPAWS Wildlands League. "this reads like insensitivity and lack of respect for First Nations."

In a recent letter to the Premier, Grand Chief Stan Beardy describes the Bill as 'very important' and worthy of 'careful review' but remains concerned that the issues repeatedly raised by First Nations with the Ministry of Natural Resources have not been addressed in the Bill. The Grand Chief also wrote that the 'compressed timeframe will discourage involvement of communities and citizens.'

Several environmental groups recently met with negotiators from NAN in Thunder Bay to discuss the Bill, and timing and locations of the hearings. There will be further discussions as both NAN and environmental groups seek major changes to the Bill. The environmental groups note that the MNR has not addressed their concerns either. "The Bill in its current form falls well short of the Premier's spectacular vision for the Far North," said Catharine Grant of ForestEthics.

"We will not be able to support passage of Bill 191 unless major changes are made that fulfill the spirit and intent of the Premier's announcement last July, which included the requirement for First Nation agreement," added Justin Duncan of Ecojustice. "Important amendments are required to ensure that First Nations communities are leading in the development of land-use plans for their traditional territories so that they are empowered to continue to manage and protect the rich ecological and cultural values of their homelands," said Caroline Schultz of Ontario Nature.

"First Nation communities must have the opportunity to participate fully in the review of this critical Bill; the only way we'll successfully protect the Boreal Forest is by First Nations, the government, environmental groups and industry working together," said Dr. Rick Smith executive director of Environmental Defence.

The environmental groups calling for changes and committee meetings to be held in the Far North include CPAWS Wildlands League, Ecojustice, Ontario Nature, ForestEthics, Environmental Defence and the David Suzuki Foundation.


For further information: Janet Sumner, CPAWS Wildlands League, mobile (416) 579-7370; Justine Duncan, Ecojustice, (416) 368-7533 ext 22; Caroline Schultz, Ontario Nature, (416) 444-8419 ext. 237; Catharine Grant, ForestEthics, (416) 597-1904 ext. 2; Rick Smith, Environmental Defence, (416) 323-9521 ext. 225; Rachel Plotkin, David Suzuki Foundation, (613) 594-9026