Far North passed

Organizations opposed to a controversial provincial act are wondering what their next move will be after the legislation passed third reading Thursday.

First Nations and mining groups raised their concerns and disappointment Thursday morning after Bill 191, the Far North Act, passed 46-26 in the provincial legislature. Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association President Barb D’Silva said the act contradicts the objectives of her organization.

"We’re disappointed that this has gone forward," D’Silva. "It’s an agenda that’s not really considering the Northern people, prospectors and non-prospectors. It’s got a southern Ontario outlook on the way things should be. It’s a lot of park and not enough economic development."

The act will protect 225,000 square kilometres of land in Northern Ontario but D’Silva said the province hasn’t clarified any of the issues surrounding the legislation. Establishing land use is a good idea but the act needs explanation she added.

"We don’t know what’s going to happen because we don’t know what the actual lay of the land is going to be," D’Silva said.

Timelines between exploration and actual mining activity will possibly be delayed because of the act D’Silva said.

"It’s going to put us in a position where we won’t be able to access the land in the manner that we’ve been able to in the past," said D’Silva.

NAN Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin also expressed his disappointment Thursday. Metatawabin said it’s not what First Nations communities wanted to see.

"A promise is a promise so apparently (Premier Dalton McGuinty) broke his promise what more can I say," Metatawabin said.

NAN’s first order of business is to sit down as a group and figure out its next move he said.

"It just makes it difficult for everybody that wants to do something (in the north) so unfortunately we’re at a point where we’ll have to do something to be heard," said Metatawabin. "We won’t recognize the act."
Metatawabin said land use talks with Ontario has been a frustrating process and the Far North Act doesn’t recognize First Nations.

But Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle said passing the act is proof of the provincial government’s commitment to working with First Nations and land use specifically.

"This is certainly has been a controversial piece of legislation but I am very confident that we can continue to work closely with our Firs Nations and really work towards our mutual goals," Gravelle said.

Opposition parties also criticized the act saying it was a dark day for Ontario and its relationship with First Nations.

"McGuinty refused to listen, he refused to pay attention. His bill disrespects First Nations jurisdiction. He and his Liberal government didn’t consult and didn’t accommodate any of the serious concerns that were raised," said MPP Howard Hampton (NDP, Kenora-Rainy River).