QUEEN'S PARK – Kenora–Rainy River NDP MPP Howard Hampton yesterday delivered the following statement:

“The First Nations of Fort Hope, Neskantaga, Summer Beaver, Webequie, Kasabonika Lake and Marten Falls, are all located quite close to what is perhaps the hottest mining prospecting territory in the whole world, called the Ring of Fire, in northern Ontario. Indeed, mining companies, mining exploration companies, mining development companies from around the world are scrambling to get access to the Ring of Fire. Some would say this is great news; I think it’s good news. But the First Nations have some questions they’d like to raise.

This government promises a new relationship with First Nations. Many of these mining exploration and mining development companies refuse absolutely to talk to First Nations. The Minister of Natural Resources recently received a letter from the chief of Neskantaga, who pointed out this government was allowing an airstrip to be built north of Marten Falls First Nation when none of the environmental rules or natural resource rules and no consultation with First Nations had taken place. Indeed, a 200-kilometre railway is being mapped and planned, with no consultation with First Nations.

Many of these First Nations have bent over backwards to work with this government and work with the mining industry. They’re wondering: When is this new relationship going to begin with the McGuinty government?”