Day 5: Will the Far North Legislation be Quashed?

Today was the fifth and final public hearing on the Far North and Mining Modernization Acts (Bills 173 and 191). This installment, in Timmins, was well attended by prospectors, miners, First Nation communities and conservation groups. The four previous meetings were very critical of the Far North Act in its present form, and much of today’s hearing was no different.

The opposition members of the Standing Committee were especially critical of the Act, with Conservative MPP Randy Hillier taking the lead against the creation of conservation lands in the North. The NDP’s Gilles Bisson mused today that he would be surprised if the bills made it to second reading in the Ontario Legislature.

Every sector that was represented at these hearings want significant changes to Bill 191, but, at this point, prospectors and First Nations are the only ones who have asked for an outright withdrawal of the bill. The prospectors argue that protecting 50% of the Far North region, and requiring community approval for exploration will essentially shut down their industry. Considering that many First Nation communities in the region are actively interested in pursuing mining exploration that argument came off as overly alarmist. However, Opposition members in particular seemed to latch on to this issue.

First Nation concerns, however, are more complex, and have dominated these hearings. The First Nations who spoke at these meetings made it clear that the legislation gives them enough of a role in planning for the region. Many of them want this Act to be scrapped as a result. Conservation groups have similar concerns as First Nations on this issue, but favour amendments to the Act rather than an outright withdrawal. Mining representatives also see the need for strong Far North legislation, and want an amended Act rather than a withdrawal.

There is a path forward, and we hope that Premier McGuinty will take the lead to ensure that the important concerns raised at these hearings are addressed. Solid Far North legislation can facilitate the development of a regional land use planning strategy that gives First Nations a meaningful role, while encouraging both development and conservation.

As we have seen in these hearings, it is widely believed that the Act, as it stands, does not reflect the commitments that the Premier made when he announced his government’s vision for the Far North in July of 2008. Without strong leadership from the Premier to rectify this, the Act will continue to face heated opposition from many sectors. For the Premier to fulfill his commitment, the Act needs to be altered in some significant ways.

The Government Standing Committee will be considering amendments to the Far North Act on September 14. Tune in then to find out if public concerns about the bill are taken seriously. In the meantime, check our blog to find about other important developments.