Toronto— The Canadian Press

Published Thursday, Sep. 23, 2010 12:50PM EDT

Last updated Thursday, Sep. 23, 2010 1:42PM EDT

A controversial bill on northern land development has been passed inthe Ontario legislature, despite the objections of aboriginal and manynorthern communities.

The Liberalgovernment's legislation aims to protect at least 225,000 squarekilometres of boreal forest from development – up to 21 per cent ofOntario's land mass.

Several native leaders have demanded that thegovernment scrap Bill 191, saying it violates their treaty rights anddoesn't give them a say in how their lands will be developed.

They've also accused Premier Dalton McGuinty of lying to them by promising not to pass the legislation without their approval.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation, a political organization which represents 49 first nations, has warned there will be unrest in the north and no certainty for would-be investors if the bill is passed.

NAN,which also has the support of the Assembly of First Nations, has vowedto use “any means necessary”’ to protect its treaty rights.

TheNDP said the government's refusal to back down will jeopardize severalprojects aimed at boosting economic development in the north, such asthe Ring of Fire chromite deposit near James Bay