Bill 151 ‘fails First Nations’: Beardy

Province says Aboriginal people were consulted
The introduction of Bill 151 is another example of the Ontario government failing to make good on commitments to First Nations says Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy.
The bill – Ontario’s Forest Tenure Modernization Act – aims to change how Crown land is licensed for use by forestry mills. The cost of wood could rise or drop with supply and demand.
The proposed legislation would keep the government’s authority to manage forests, while allowing more companies to get involved in the forestry sector.
But Beardy said First Nations issues about the bill were not taken seriously.
“It is very clear that Ontario does not take the concerns of First Nations seriously with regards to the forestry tenure reform process as, yet again, Ontario solicits input, then unilaterally makes decisions without consideration of those who are directly impacted,” Beardy said.
In November, a meeting was held involving NAN, other First Nations leaders, and the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (MNDMF) to discuss concerns regarding Ontario’s forestry tenure review process, Beardy said.
MNDMF committed to recognizing and addressing three key areas of concern for First Nations:
• To actively seek input from First Nations;
• To consider other forestry tenure models including community managed forests; and
• Recognizing Aboriginal and treaty rights and the duty of the Crown to consult.
“We have worked very hard to consult with northerners … and Aboriginals,” Gravelle said, adding dozens of meetings were held across the province about the legislation. “We want to make sure there is very significant involvement with the forestry tenure opportunities within the province.”
Beardy said the MNDMF reneged on commitments made to NAN in the introduction of Bill 151 as it does not contain information on working with First Nations, nor’ does it give any recognition to Aboriginal and treaty rights.
Gravelle said that while Aboriginal and treaty rights are not specifically listed in the legislation, he recognizes the importance of them and they will be honoured.
Beardy said First Nations should be in charge of the forests on their land.
“The best approach is to implement a community forestry tenure system putting First Nations in charge of managing forests on their homelands,” said Beardy. “With the introduction of Bill 151, it is blatantly obvious that Ontario has no intentions of making good on its commitments therefore, it is nearly impossible to work towards a meaningful relationship.”