Far North Act needs changes

Dear Premier McGuinty,
We, the leadership of Mushkegowuk Council, strongly believe in the need for land use planning. However, we have serious concerns over Bill 191: The Far North Act.
What to the rest of Ontario is the “Far North” is the homeland of the Mushkegowuk people.
Your announcement regarding this area in July 2008 attracted international attention when you spoke to our collective responsibility “to get this right and to act now.”
Further, you set the stage for “a new respect and working relationship with First Nations” where we would have a “much greater say on the future of their communities and traditional lands.”
We are concerned Bill 191 does not adequately reflect your vision and does not address our concerns.
It is important the implementation of the entire initiative is conducted in a true partnership between First Nations and the province of Ontario. We are concerned our First Nations do not have the adequate resources to carry out planning.
Recent funding decisions have been made unilaterally by the Ministry of Natural Resources and are completely inadequate to undertake this initiative. It appears the majority of funding for Far North planning is being used within the MNR and is not reaching First Nations where it is needed most. This lack of transparency is hindering the overall success of the initiative and raising serious questions.
We would also like to make it clear the acceptance of funding by First Nations to undertake land use planning activities does not signify an acceptance of Bill 191.
Specifically, we are looking for the following amendments to Bill 191:
• Room needs to be made for greater co-operation among First Nations. For example, Mushkegowuk First Nations have agreed to develop a collective approach to planning that is community-based but shares common resources and information among the First Nations;
• The planning area should respect watersheds and traditional homelands. Bill 191 in its current form splits the Mushkegowuk territory, only allowing participation of the northern part;
• An adequate planning fund should be established that is administered jointly by First Nations and the province to allow for greater transparency;
• A joint body representing the province and First Nations should be established to guide planning for the Mushkegowuk/James Bay area. Other bodies could represent other parts of the Far North. This would respect both First Nation affiliations and ecological regions;
• First Nations should have the responsibility to select and manage protected areas and other planning designations;
• Staking and new exploration activities must be paused until we have had an opportunity to complete land use plans, which would outline where these activities could take place; and
• Land use plans need to be agreed to by both First Nations and the province. Likewise, it stands to reason both parties should need to agree to future changes in plans.
As you are aware, many people from across Canada and around the world are following implementation of your July 2008 announcement. We understand this ecosystem is very important for the world and its management has global significance. We would like to work with you to strengthen Bill 191 so it will meet the needs of the Mushkegowuk and the people of Ontario.
Sincerely,
Grand Chief Stan Louttit
Mushkegowuk Council
Deputy Grand Chief Leo Friday
Mushkegowuk Council
Chief Linda Job
Taykwa Tagamou
Chief Keith Corston
Chapleau Cree
Chief Theresa Hall
Attawapiskat
Chief Norm Hardisty
Moose Cree
Chief Andrew Solomon
Fort Albany
Chief Jonathon Solomon
Kashechewan