The committee met twice this week, on February 14th and February 16th, to continue a study on resource development in northern Canada. This week’s meetings focused on development in northern Ontario, specifically the region known as the Ring of Fire in the James Bay lowlands.
The committee heard from industry representatives from mining and resource corporations and exploration companies, as well as First Nations representatives from the region. While industry representatives endorsed mineral development in the region, and described a large and profitable resource prime for exploitation, witnesses representing First Nations stressed the importance of respect and collaboration in mine development, in order to ensure that regional First Nations benefit from any projects that go ahead. The failed relationship between Attawapiskat and the De Beer’s Victor Diamond Mine was cited as an example of what regional First Nations do not want to see occurring again.
Relevant news articles:
- http://www.northernlife.ca/news/localNews/2012/02/15-gravelle-ring-fire-sudbury.aspx
- http://www.northernlife.ca/news/localNews/2012/02/16-kilgour-standing-committee-sudbury.aspx
- http://www.northernontariobusiness.com/Around-the-North/120130/Been-there,-done-that,-says-Ring-of-Fire-Coordinator.aspx
- http://netnewsledger.com/2012/02/15/billion-dollar-investment-planned-for-james-bay-region/