Former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci has been chosen as the Ontario government's lead negotiator in talks with Matawa Tribal Council chiefs on resource development in the Ring of Fire.
He'll face off against Bob Rae who resigned as interim leader of the federal Liberals in June to represent the nine Aboriginal communities closest to the massive chromite deposits in Ontario's Far North.
In a July 2 release, Iacobucci said he's looking forward to the upcoming discussions and hopes to be invited to those communities.
High on Iacobucci's to-do list is environmental protection, regional infrastructure planning and development, resource revenue sharing and “social and economic supports.”
Iacobucci said he's honoured to accept the post.
“I feel passionately about involving First Nations in decisions about development in their communities and traditional lands and ensuring they benefit from the economic opportunities to be realized from development in the Ring of Fire."
Since resigning from the bench in 2004, Iacobucci has advised government and business on legal and policy matters. He specializes in corporate law and taxation.
Iacobucci has also mediated on First Nation disputes including on sustainable forestry practices in northwestern Ontario.
Earlier this year, Iacobucci released a scathing report on the lack of First Nation representation on juries in Ontario and recommended sweeping changes.
“The province is taking a smart, sustainable and collaborative approach to resource development in the Ring of Fire,” said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle. “We want development to deliver social and economic benefits for all Ontarians, while collaborating with First Nations and ensuring environmental responsibility. I am confident that Mr. Iacobucci will help ensure that everyone benefits from the economic and social opportunities of this unprecedented natural resource.”
Premier Kathleen Wynne chimed in that it's critical for her government to ensure the mining development brings long-lasting benefits to First Nation communities in the region.
“His expertise as a negotiator and experience with First Nations communities in northern Ontario is a tremendous asset to this important process.”
The government said these discussions are geared to “support ongoing work” with individual communities to address their issues.
