Dear EA Modernization Team,…

Dear EA Modernization Team,

As the representative government of regional rights-bearing Métis communities in Ontario, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Lands, Resources and Consultations Branch has undertaken a review of Proposed Project List for comprehensive environmental assessments under the Environmental Assessment Act (ERO 019-2377). Please find the MNO’s comments attached in table format.

As an Indigenous people, Métis depend on the lands, waters and resources in their traditional territories to exercise their Aboriginal rights and Métis way of life, including spiritual, cultural, socio-economic, harvesting and other traditional practices. The MNO therefore takes seriously its participation in the environmental assessment of projects that have the potential to impact Métis rights.

As a summary of our comments was requested for searchability, they include:
1) By adding thresholds in the name of harmonization with the federal IAA project list, there is a dilution of the process.
2) The distance/length of a freeway/expressway/railway line is not the only threshold that should be considered in determining if a comprehensive EA is required. For example an extension of less than 75km may go through an area significant to the Métis way-of-life such as an important harvesting area or burial ground.
3) The Conservation Projects involve water and shorelines areas and, as water is central to Métis way-of-life, it is difficult to determine thresholds that would eliminate any project from an comprehensive EA. At minimum, consultation with MNO and other Indigenous communities should take place for any such project.
4) Ensuring that if Mining Projects are placed on the list that consultation continues to take place on any such project which decreases Métis access to or disposes of Crown land to practice their way-of-life which currently happens through the Class EA process.
5) Adding Energy Storage projects to the Project List such as the proposed TC Energy Pumped Storage Project north of Meaford.

Kindly confirm receipt of MNO’s comments. We look forward to hearing back from you as to how the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks has incorporated our comments into the proposed Project List.