On June 2, 2009 The Province of Ontario introduced enabling legislation for land use planning in the Far North. Under the Far North Act, Bill 191 legislation First Nations will develop their own land use plans. However, Ontario still intends to protect 225,0000 sq/km of NAN First Nation territories and homelands. Community-based land use plans will be expected to accommodate the Premier’s goal of protecting half of the Boreal Forest in the Far North. In March 2009 the NAN Chiefs rejected the unilateral imposition of a 225,000 sq/km protected area without their consultation and consent when they unanimously passed Resolution 09/06.
On July 6, 2009 the NAN Chiefs passed Resolution 09/41 condemning Bill 191. The Chiefs directed the NAN Executive to pursue all appropriate local, legal, political, and international steps to prevent the passage of Bill 191. (See NAN Media Release)
The resolution states that NAN is prepared to enter a mutual and respectful dialogue with Ontario on land use planning, without an artificial deadline, on the condition that Bill 191 is withdrawn. The Chiefs have stated in the resolution that if Bill 191 is passed in spite of NAN opposition, NAN First Nations will not recognize the legislation and will move to exercise full and exclusive jurisdiction over their traditional territory. The Chiefs have many concerns about Bill 191 including:
- Bill 191 splits NAN First Nations between the North and South, and recognizes provincial control over the Land Use Planning (LUP) process.
- Bill 191 provides for an interconnected protected area or park of at least 225,000 square kilometres, which is inconsistent with the Treaties and the long-term economic development prospects of NAN.
- Bill 191 violates the Aboriginal and Treaty rights of all NAN First Nations, including the inherent right of self-government.
The Province has referred the legislation to Standing Committee to solicit input on the new bill as it moves through the legislative process. NAN has put forth the position that Tribal Councils and First Nations must be visited by the Standing Committee. However, the Standing Committee is not visiting any First Nations.
The deadline to sign up to speak at the Standing Committee hearings was noon on July 23, 2009. The hearings are Aug 6, 2009 in Toronto, Aug 10, 2009 in Sioux Lookout, Aug 11, 2009 in Thunder Bay, Aug 12, 2009 in Chapleau, and Aug 13, 2009 in Timmins.
Written submissions can be made to the Standing Committee by September 4, 2009. Send written submissions to:
Standing Committee Bill 191 Clerk Trevor Day
Room 1405, Whitney Block Queens Park, Toronto, ON M7A 1A2
The NAN Chiefs and community members have started a movement to stop The Far North Act. Visit the NAN Website for more information (www.nan.on.ca).
The NAN Website contains petitions and letters that can be sent to the Standing Committee as well as detailed information about Far North Act, Bill 191.
View Land Use Planning Legislation Bill 191