March 12, 2019 Eric Everett…

March 12, 2019

Eric Everett
A/PROGRAM MANAGER
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Regional Operations Division
Far North Branch
Far North Branch - Thunder Bay
421 James Street South
Suite 101
Thunder Bay Ontario
P7E 2V6

RE: Far North Act review and proposed changes ER 013-4734

To Whom it May Concern:

The Ontario Prospectors Association believes the implementation of components of the FAR NORTH ACT, 2010 were lacking a full scientific review and justification when the context of economic/social realities. The determination that 50% of the Far North be protected lands (effectively parks) did not adequately take into consideration of the lands required for potential economic development.

Sterilization of lands is poor sighted whereas multi-use or enhanced management designations allow the development of assets and infrastructure as required.

The OPA endorses the repeal of the Far North Act and the examination to determine if it should be placed into the Public Lands Act by way of amendment. The OPA members and Board would be available to provide comments going forward with the repeal of the Far North Act.

Once the repeal occurs, the OPA would like to volunteer to sit on any committees that are developing a new framework for development in the Far North. We believe we could bring a view point that would represent the Prospecting and Junior exploration land users.

Yours truly,

Garry Clark
Executive Director