“Fix is in” on Mining Act hearings, says Northern MPP

NDP MPP for Timmins-James Bay Gilles Bisson is upset how the Ontario Liberal government is handling public consultation hearings being held across the North on the new Mining Act.

Bisson said on the first day of public hearings into Bill 173 that will amend the Act, Liberal MPPs used their majority on a legislative committee to set a deadline that will make it impossible to properly consult affected communities and will give MPPs precious little time to make amendments to the Bill.

“Such a short time-frame makes it impossible to hear from, let alone consult, all the communities and groups affected by this far-reaching Bill.”

Bisson said it also gives opposition MPPs no time to amendments based on public reaction.

Bisson accuses the government of lending a 'deaf ear” to Northerners, concluding that the Liberals have already made up their mind.

“The hearings have barely began and already it looks like the fix is in.”

Bisson said he will lobby to have the amendment deadline extended beyond Sept. 7.

He said his constituents are being shut out across Ontario and is calling on the government to extend the deadline for filing amendments so “MPPs can get it right on this very important Bill.”