The Ontario Mining Association (OMA) wants an “open and transparent” process by Queen's Park in their ambitious plans to permanently protect half of the province's Far North forest.
OMA president Chris Hodgson, who attended Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield's press conference on the legislation, wants information shared with industry “in a timely fashion” during the process to promote greater investment certainty for business.
In a news release, the OMA commented. “the government talks of balance with this legislation yet it seems it only establishes targets for conservation. Perhaps for balance, some economic targets should be included? Why not 10 new mines over the next 10 years?”
The new bill proposes to protect 225,000 square kilometres (or roughly half) of Ontario's Far North from development.
The process will involve First Nations in the land use planning to determine areas to be protected and others for sustainable development.
Stakeholders will have opportunities to comment on the legislation this summer when the MNR will hold consultations across Ontario. People can also comment by posting on the Environmental Registry.
.jpeg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
