International Investment Press Scrutinizes Outdated Mining Law

    Today's Financial Times Details Mining Conflicts with First Nations and
    Private Property Owners

    TORONTO, May 12 /CNW/ - This weekend's Financial Times draws the
attention of the international investment community to conflicts caused by
outdated Canadian mining law, detailing problems for the Canadian mining
industry, First Nations, and private property owners
    "This is an international black eye for Canada's reputation as a place to
do business and as a fair and just society. First Nations should have the
right to balance mining with other values, including the option to say "no" to
mining when warranted," commented Janet Sumner of CPAWS Wildlands League.
"Values such as conservation planning, climate change and Aboriginal Rights
need to be put on par with mining. We are living in the 21st century with a
mining law that dates back to the colonial era. It needs to be reformed."
    The current system of granting mineral claims without prior consultation
and accommodation conflicts with constitutionally protected Aboriginal and
treaty rights and disregards conservation planning or other land use
priorities.
    Seven First Nations' leaders are currently serving extended jail
sentences for preventing mining exploration on their traditional lands. Their
plight has brought national attention to the antiquated mining law. The
weekend story brings the problem to a broader international audience, most
importantly, international investors.

    The Financial Times ranks among the world's most influential,
international financial newspapers. The paper is based in London, one of the
world's leading mining investment centers. The Financial Times' circulation is
second only to the Wall St. Journal among the world's financial newspapers.

    Read full story at:
    http://us.ft.com/ftgateway/superpage.ft?news_id=fto050920082209063362

For further information: Anna Baggio, Director Conservation Land Use
Planning CPAWS Wildlands League, (416) 453-3285, anna@wildlandsleague.org;
Jacob Ostaman, Acting Spokesperson for KI, (807) 537-2263; Co-Chief Mireille
Lapointe, Ardoch Algonquins, (613) 273-3530; Chris Reid, lawyer for KI and
Ardoch Algonquins, (416) 666-2914 cell