I think this proposal has…

I think this proposal has dangerous implications for our environment as well as the rights of First Nations peoples. Valuing quick development at all costs will not solve the crises facing our people and our province. We have a responsibility to our invaluable ecosystems and First Nations peoples to conduct proper ecological and archeological surveys before development. I will agree with the Chiefs of Ontario Leadership Council who “are calling on the government to undertake a full consultation process with Ontario First Nations prior to proceeding with this legislation”. As Regional Chief Benedict stated, “These ‘special economic zones’ are vaguely defined and could be used to try and undermine our rights and ignore our sovereignty…The government and mining proponents will need to work with each individual Nation that could be impacted by any given development to ensure they are adequately consulted and freely consent to any activities within their territories.” The health and well being of our people & our planet are worth far more than the fantasy of ceaseless economic and consumptive growth.