I see this as a more complex issue, and certainly one that extends beyond an issue of mere real estate and claims.

Although the Mining Commissioner may allow the easement in the interest of the ‘public purpose or good’ – what exactly is the public good? Cliffs wanting a private or public/private road use for the economic development and prosperity of Ontario and Canada from the exploitation of this tremendous resource?

How exactly does this public good benefit the First Nations in the same way, which by the way has rights to land as well? I mean direct benefit and involvement and not indirect benefit in the form of rising tides floating all boats in a region as a result of economic development.

See Sonny Gagnon’s claim in today’s CBC online – FN have NOT been consulted and are not part of the ongoing negotiations. Word on the street in Thunder Bay is that Carrabba’s meeting with FN leaders before the luncheon DID NOT go well. Despite Carrabba’s words, this big bad mining company appears to be in fact steam rolling over these people – selecting the smelter on their own and likely the power corridor and other services as well. This is one of the last known chromite deposits in the world!

I’m simply saying that awarding the easement to Cliffs may not be in the public interest as we think if we consider more about public good and public purpose from more than a provincial and or federal economic standpoint.

This then begs the question of how far reaching the discovery of information and evidence that this ‘Mining Court’ can consider in ascertaining public good and public purpose when making their decision – or is this simply a quick and superficial review of the law and submissions by the parties? The decision coming down has just as many social and political implications as it does economic and legal.

In my eyes, the inclusive, consultative and compassionate approach being taken by KWG towards the FNs makes me realize that this claim in private hands is far more conducive to the public good and public purpose since they are proposing the mining of Big Daddy, development of the region, inclusive and meaningful participation with the FN as well as a railroad and other infrastructure to be shared by all.

Going long on KWG (baby)!

Keep Digging