It is not satisfactory for some of the area's First Nations. "I believe the Premier's vision is that First Nations will have a real say in the future of their homelands," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy, in a release. "That is a commendable goal, but I'm not sure this first draft of the legislation gets us there. We'll keep working with the Government of Ontario to develop legislation we can all support. It is my hope that by fall I can stand alongside the Premier and the Minister of Natural Resources and tell all Ontarians what we have accomplished." However, the Ontario government is taking an important step toward the permanent protection of the area and allows First Nations to decide what land should be protected, according to a media release.
At least 225,000 square kilometres of the Far North will be protected through legislation put forward by the provincial government on June 2.
The Far North Land Use Planning Bill also proposes to enable a community-based land use planning process to help Far North First Nations and the province to determine some areas to be protected and others to be used for First Nations economic development.
The proposed legislation would also conserve habitat for more than 200 sensitive species such as woodland caribou, polar bears and snow geese.
"This legislation would contribute to a sustainable and more prosperous future for the people and communities of the Far North, and provide important and far-reaching environmental and economic benefits for our province as a whole," said Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources, in a release.
Consultation for the legislation will continue through the summer months through a province-wide tour, which will also take ministry officials through the Far North. Public comments will also be fielded through posting on the Environmental Registry, accessible at ontario.ca/environmentalregistry, with registry number 010-6624. The comment period closes on Aug. 4.
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