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The Progressive Conservative government is encouraging First Nation communities to reap the benefits of new Manitoba mining projects in their traditional territories.
The province announced Monday that it is working with Indigenous communities on a new protocol that will guide consultations between the province and First Nations on future mining development.
Premier Brian Pallister announced Monday that Norway House Cree Nation Chief Ron Evans and former Manitoba cabinet minister Jim Downey will develop the new mineral development protocol in partnership with First Nations. The goal is to establish “a clear pathway forward on mineral development with a stable and predictable consultation process,” he said.
“This will also provide a shared opportunity to enhance public confidence in the mineral sector and the necessary assurance that Manitoba is the right place for business to invest, build and grow,” the premier said. “First Nations communities must be involved in all aspects of mineral development, and share in the benefits resulting from projects, while ensuring that Aboriginal and treaty rights are protected.”
Downey said that a mutually agreed-to mineral development protocol could lead to new jobs and wealth for First Nation communities. “I am extremely pleased to work with Chief Evans, whose leadership and determination has been a huge part of the North,” he said in a statement.
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