April 11, 2023 The Honorable…

April 11, 2023
The Honorable George Pirie, Minister of Mines
933 Ramsey Lake Rd, Level 3
Sudbury, ON
P3E 6B5

Honorable Minister Pirie,

Missanabie Cree First Nation is deeply concerned about the proposed legislative changes in Bill 71 - Building More Mines Act. The proposed changes signal less consultation and less regulatory oversight on proposed resource extraction activities of mining proponents, making it likely that future activities will adversely affect Aboriginal treaty rights of all in Ontario.

MINES may be driven by the need to act quickly to stimulate economic development opportunities and to combat climate change; However, these proposed changes undermine the Treaty relationship and overlook the environmental impacts of mining unrenewable resources.

Aboriginal peoples in Canada have constitutionally protected treaty rights, including the right to be consulted and accommodated on matters that may affect their rights, The proposed changes in Bill 71 disrespect these rights and limit the ability of Indigenous communities to participate in the decision-making process around mining projects. Bill 71 removes the requirement for mining companies to obtain the consent of Indigenous communities before proceeding with a mining project on their traditional lands. This goes against the principles of reconciliation and respect for Indigenous Rights and runs contrary to the Federally recognized UNDRIP principle of Free Prior and Informed Consent.

It is important to acknowledge that mining of unrenewable resources has significant environmental impacts, including the release of greenhouse gases and the depletion of natural resources. While economic development is important, it should not come at the expense of the environment or the Rights of Indigenous peoples.

By way of this letter be it known that Missanabie Cree First Nation fundamentally disagrees with these proposed changes and the way MINES has engaged First Nations on these changes. Notification with the opportunity to comment cannot be deemed to satisfy the Duty to Consult.

Sincerely,

Chief Jason Gauthier

Cc: Jutta Horn, Deputy Chief, MCFN
Tess Sullivan, Director of Lands and Resources, MCFN
Tetyron Hourtovenko, Mineral Development Advisor, MCFN