https://www.ola.org/sites/default/files/node-files/hansard/document/pdf/2019/2019-02/25-FEB-2019_L069.pdf

NORTHERN ECONOMY
Mr. Norman Miller: My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. Our government for the people was elected on a promise to finally open up the incredible resources of the north, to make our northern communities open for economic development and open for jobs. That’s why I was excited to learn about the next step of our government’s review of the Far North Act. Since the previous Liberal government forced this act on the communities of our north, little progress has been made to promote collaboration and job creation with our First Nations communities. It has limited the possibilities for jobs and economic growth in the north.
Can the minister update the House on how our govern-ment is encouraging economic growth in the north, instead of putting up barriers?

Hon. John Yakabuski: I want to thank my colleague for the question and for his unwavering commitment to the north.

Speaker, he is right: Our government for the people was elected on a promise to create a path forward that will make our northern communities open to economic pros-perity and open to jobs by reducing restrictions on import-ant economic development projects like the Ring of Fire, all-season roads and electrical transmission projects.

In our fall economic statement, we announced that we would be reviewing the Far North Act, and as the next step we are seeking input on a proposal to repeal the act, while retaining approved land use plans through changes to the Public Lands Act and continuing forward with plans al-ready at an advanced stage. We believe our proposal will provide benefits to First Nations and other northern com-munities, ensure a collaborative approach to development and provide a stable environment for business. We are making the Far North open for economic growth and open for business.

Mr. Norman Miller: Thank you to the minister for his answer. For years, we have heard from northern commun-ities that the Far North Act limits economic opportunities in the north. Our government’s proposal is the type of bold action we need to take if we are going to make the Far North open for business and open for jobs.

Many of us remember the pushback this act received when it was passed back in 2010. That includes Far North First Nations who were opposed to the act when the Liberals pushed it through.
Can the minister tell us how we are going to ensure a collaborative approach to development that benefits First Nations?

Hon. John Yakabuski: I thank him again. He is abso-lutely right. When the Far North Act was implemented, it was opposed by First Nations and the municipalities of the north. Our government is working for all of the people of Ontario, including the 24,000 people who live in the Far North. We will listen carefully to what Far North First Nations have to say about our proposal to work together to bring prosperity to the north.

Our proposal has been posted on the Environmental Registry for 45 days. I will work together with the minister responsible for Indigenous affairs as we have special en-gagement sessions with Far North First Nations commun-ities and tribal councils to gather their feedback. We support development that is beneficial to our communities while maintaining our commitment to conservation.

Again, Speaker, we are making our Far North open for business and open for jobs.