Proposed Committee Hearings Snub First Nations

    Environmental groups call for changes

    TORONTO, July 30 /CNW/ - 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
[phone]; Justine Duncan, Ecojustice, [phone] ext 22; Caroline
Schultz, Ontario Nature, [phone] ext. 237; Catharine Grant,
ForestEthics, [phone] ext. 2; Rick Smith, Environmental Defence, (416)
323-9521 ext. 225; Rachel Plotkin, David Suzuki Foundation, [phone]