Republic of Mining

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Far North Act Submission to the Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey

October 4, 2010

This submission was signed by Len Crispino, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on September 10, 2010.

Certainly, the “Ring of Fire” project will foster considerable long-term economic growth for Ontario as a whole and Northern Ontario in particular. It is fair to say that such a project may have never been discovered had the [Far North] Act already been in place years ago, because the land use planning process may have delayed, or even ultimately stopped the Ring of Fire opportunity from ever being discovered and/or explored. – Len Crispino, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Dear Minister:

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is a federation of 160 local chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the Province of Ontario, representing 60,000 businesses of all sizes, in all economic sectors and from every area of the province. The OCC’s madate is to advocate strong policies on issues that affect its membership throughout Ontario’s business community.

The OCC welcomes legislation which provides for economic renewal and opportunity and ensures a competitive business climate in Ontario.

While addressing economic renewal, the OCC wishes to provide input on Bill 191. The Far North Act is currently in the Standing Committee for General Government for review and nearing Third Reading.

The Government of Ontario has annouced that Bill 191 will set aside at least 225,000 square kilometers of the far north in an interconnected network of protected areas, by means of community based land use planning. This Act states that it aims to provide for community based land use planning in the Far North that directly involves First Nations in the planning and that supports the environmental, social and economic objectives for land use planning for the people of Ontario located there.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce News Release – OCC Calls for Withdrawal of Far North Act – September 13th, 2010

October 4, 2010

Business Advocacy, Other Issues

The Government of Ontario’s Bill 191, The Far North Act, twill set aside at least 225,000 square kilometers of the far north in an interconnected network of protected areas, by means of community based land use planning. This Act states that it aims to provide for community based land use planning in the Far North that directly involves First Nations in the planning and that supports the environmental, social and economic objectives for land use planning for the people of Ontario located there.

While the OCC is strongly supportive of environmental protection, there are concerns that the Act could delay or prevent effective development of the region. The Act has the potential to paralyze future developments in Ontario’s far north, and hinder new opportunities for economic development that could lead to future growth opportunities and economic renewal for Ontario.

For more information, please contact Frank Belluardo, Policy Analyst, at frankbelluardo@occ.on.ca or 416-482-5222 x 247.

Liberal Government News Release – September 23, 2010 – Far North Act Passes – McGuinty Government Committed To Economic Development And Environmental Protection

October 4, 2010

NEWS

Ontario has made significant strides in economic development and environmental protection in the Far North with the passage of the Far North Act, 2010.

A first in Ontario history, First Nations’ approval of land use plans is now required by law. First Nations communities will identify and approve the areas in the Far North that require protection as well as those areas suitable for economic development.

These land use plans are key to develop the Far North, including the region known as the ‘Ring of Fire’ which contains one of the World’s largest deposits of chromite – a key ingredient in stainless steel and an economic opportunity for Far North communities.

The act provides a foundation for First Nations and Ontario to work together as partners on land use planning in the Far North as part of the Open Ontario plan to support the region’s economy and environment.

Finance minister compares Far North Act to creation of Algonquin Park – by Nick Stewart

October 5, 2010October 4, 2010

This article was originally posted September 29, 2010 on the website of Northern Ontario Business. Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North.

Last week’s passage of the highly controversial Far North Act was likened to the creation of a provincial park by Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, following a presentation to the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 27.

“It’s all about how we develop the mix of development moving forward and how we make sure that, as we enhance our ability to grow the North, we also enhance our ability to preserve that part which will have enormous appeal in the future,” said Duncan to Northern Ontario Business in an interview following his speech.

“In 1895, (then-Premier) Oliver Mowat created Algonquin Park over a whole lot of objection at the time, and it still remains an enormous tourism magnet. So it’s about finding balance, and we’ll continue to work with communities across the North to get the right balance, and I’m glad we’re having a debate because we needed to have it.”

The act, passed last week in the provincial legislature with a vote of 46-26, dictates the setting aside of 225,000 square kilometres of the region as “protected areas.”

Sarah Palin’s Defence of Alaskan Mine Threatens Canadian Fish [Mine Tailings in Lakes] – by Toronto Star National Writer Linda Diebel

October 3, 2010

Linda Diebel is a National Writer for the Toronto Star, which has the largest circulation in Canada. The paper has an enormous impact on Canada’s federal and provincial politics as well as shaping public opinion. This article was originally published October 3, 2010.

The Dolly Varden carp isn’t much of a looker except, perhaps, to the opposite sex of the same scaly species. What is exceptional (other than a name from Dickens) is how the impending death of about a thousand of these duller members of the salmon family changed Sarah Palin’s life and influenced the fate of fish across Canada.

Of course, they’re not the only factor. Still, their role is impressive, considering these particular fish in southeastern Alaska’s Lower Slate Lake are, in all likelihood, quite dead.

It’s a sprawling story that begins with fish and grows to include mining conglomerates, politicians, lobbyists, promoters, environmental activists and, in Canada, lakes with names like Bucko, Bamoos, Fish (Teztan Biny to the Tsilhqot’in people), Sandy Pond and Ruby Creek.

Already, there are winners and losers; there will undoubtedly be more. Let me explain.

In June, 2007, Palin was governor of Alaska with political ambitions as vast as the northern sky. She’d already hired a savvy East Coast PR firm to promote Alaska (and herself) but she needed serendipity. And that’s exactly what pulled into Juneau in the form of a luxury cruise, sponsored by the conservative magazines The Weekly Standard and National Review. On board were elite American journalists, including William Kristol, Fred Barnes and Michael Gerson.

Ontario’s Far North Bill Helps Regional Growth – by Ontario Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey

October 4, 2010October 3, 2010

The following column is in response to the previous posting by Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson. This column was published on October 1, 2010. There is widespread opposition throughout Northern Ontario to the McGuinty Government’s Far North Act. That opposition includes First Nations political organizations such as Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) which represents 49 First Nation communities within the territory of James Bay Treaty 9 and the Ontario portions of Treaty 5.

Ontario Minister of Natural Resources-Linda Jeffrey

The passing of Bill 191, the Far North Act, represents an unprecedented opportunity for Ontario to work jointly with First Nations in the Far North to initiate positive change in the region.

The Star’s guest column by Harold Wilson, published on Sept. 29, contained a number of misconceptions about the intent of this legislation that I would like to correct.

The article failed to recognize the significant contribution made by First Nations in both developing Bill 191 and in the significant role they will play in implementing it.

Working jointly with First Nations on community-based land-use planning is central to the purpose of Bill 191 and the key to its success. The relationship between the people and the land should be a cornerstone for any land use planning decisions in the Far North.

The legislation passed last Thursday included more than 43 amendments addressing the concerns we heard during discussions with First Nations communities, resource development stakeholders and environmental organizations. We believe these amendments made the legislation both stronger and more inclusive.

Far North Act Will Impair Our Economy – by Harold Wilson

October 4, 2010September 29, 2010

Harold Wilson is president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.

On Sept. 15, numerous business representatives, prospectors, municipalities and other organizations participated in a rally at Queen’s Park at a rally organized by First Nations to protest the proposed Far North Act.

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce received unanimous approval in April from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce delegates on our resolution to have the act withdrawn.

Despite many other long-awaited government initiatives, such as the Northern Growth Plan and the Wood Supply Competition, the Far North Act is first on the agenda when the legislature convenes. Why is it such a big deal?

A group of dogmatic environmental “stewards” ensconced in the
premier’s inner circle, who do not know, nor care to know, how to
grow an economy, are dictating our economic future.

Mine exploration and development throughout northwestern Ontario is new money flowing into our economy. This is private sector money, raised from investors. Regardless of the diversified nature of our local economy, we benefit markedly by development of our natural resources. There are already important tangible examples of how increased exploration and prospecting is adding to the economy of Thunder Bay.

A few recent ones include: Activation Laboratories’ expansion, the expansion at WiskAir of its fleet of helicopters and now its hangar, the arrival of Porter Airlines, Cliffs Resources –a huge mining player in the U.S. — will soon be setting up shop in Thunder Bay. These activities are threatened by the Far North Act and other regulatory impediments to mining in our region.

Moreover, while government officials have stressed that this act is primarily to address issues expressed by the First Nations, the Far North Act is not supported by the First Nations leadership in Northern Ontario. In fact, they have already rallied against it.

Go North, to Find Ontario’s Next Economic Boom in the Ring of Fire Mining Development – by Livio Di Matteo

September 24, 2010

Livio Di Matteo is professor of economics at Lakehead University. This column was originally published in January, 2010.

While it is simplistic to believe that history repeats itself, economic history is shaped by cyclical demographic and economic factors. Ontario’s economy, despite its current lethargy, is poised for a boom reminiscent of what shaped the province at the dawn of the 20th century.

During the late 19th century, Ontario’s economy was laid low by a global economic slump. Between 1891 and 1901, Ontario’s population growth crawled to a virtual halt and out-migration of its young people to the United States became a chronic lament.

Ontario’s economy was saved during the early 20th century by two booms
that fuelled its manufacturing sector’s growth and ensured that Toronto
became the financial centre of Canada.

Ontario’s economy was saved during the early 20th century by two booms that fuelled its manufacturing sector’s growth and ensured that Toronto became the financial centre of Canada. The first, the prairie settlement boom, saw hundreds of thousands of European settlers flock to the Prairies and form a market for consumer goods produced by central Canadian industry. The second was the forestry and mining resource boom of Ontario’s northern frontier, which generated inputs into southern Ontario industry, created Toronto’s role as a financial centre and created a lucrative source of provincial government revenue via enormous resource rents and royalties.

“[Ontario’s] Far North Act: Blueprint for the future?” – Toronto Star September 24, 2010 Editorial Comment on McGuinty Liberal’s “Far North Bill”

February 11, 2011September 24, 2010

The Toronto Star has the largest circulation in Canada. The paper has an enormous impact on Canada’s federal and provincial politics as well as shaping public opinion. This editorial was originally published on September 24, 2010. For an extensive list of articles on this mineral discovery, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery By detailing …

Liberals push through Far North bill despite First Nations outcry – by Tanya Talaga (Toronto Star-September 24, 2010)

April 6, 2011September 24, 2010

Tanya Talaga is the Queen’s Park (Ontario Provincial Government) reporter for the Toronto Star, which has the largest circulation in Canada. The paper has an enormous impact on Canada’s federal and provincial politics as well as shaping public opinion. This article was originally published September 24, 2010.

For an extensive list of articles on this mineral discovery, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

Liberals push through Far North bill despite First Nations outcry

A controversial bill aimed at protecting 225,000 square kilometres in northern Ontario and opening the rest up to development passed Thursday despite fierce First Nations objections. The provincial Liberals argue Bill 191 is a “first in Ontario’s history,” because it calls for First Nations’ approval of land-use plans.

Until now, there were essentially no rules, the government says. But natives say their approval is ultimately meaningless because the government has the power to override their land use decisions. And that, they say, is a violation of their treaty rights.

Many who live and work in the North – from the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce to the Ontario Forestry Association and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) – say the bill will slow down mining and resource development. The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political organization that represents the 49 First Nations that cover two-thirds of the province’s land mass.

However, land-use plans are needed to guide economic development, said Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey. For instance, Jeffrey told reporters, Bill 191 is key to establishing rules to manage development in the resource-rich region known as the Ring of Fire.

Enviro-Babble Threatens Ontario – by Toronto Sun Columnist Christina Blizzard (Originally Published September 22, 2010)

February 11, 2011September 24, 2010

Christina Blizzard is the Queen’s Park columnist for the Toronto Sun, the city’s daily tabloid newspaper.

For an extensive list of articles on this mineral discovery, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

Commissioner’s annual report highlights how no one can, or should, live up to eco lobby’s standards

It’s pathetic the way we cling slavishly to every utterance of the eco lobby. When the Great Green Gods speak, we all nod our heads like so many Bobblehead dolls.

So it was Wednesday, when Environment Commissioner Gord Miller released his annual report. The problem with self-styled enviro gurus is no government, anywhere, can live up to their standards.

No matter what the government does, it will be slammed for not doing enough. Miller warned there aren’t enough controls over the siting of gas-powered generation plants.

Northern Ontario is “on the verge” of becoming the Wild West — or Wild North, I guess — with mining companies building airstrips and rail lines willy-nilly.

Except, hold on. There’s a flip side.

Ring of Fire Mining Practices Under Attack by Environmental Commissioner of Ontario

February 11, 2011September 24, 2010

The following excerpts are from the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s 2009/2010 Annual Report Redefining Conservation

Business News Network Anchor Reporter Andrew Bell interviews Ontario’s Environmental Comissioner Gord Miller (September 22, 2010) about the government’s conflicting goals of protecting half of the boreal forest while encouraging mine development in the red hot Ring of Fire in Northwestern Ontario: http://watch.bnn.ca/commodities/september-2010/commodities-september-22-2010/#clip351264

For an extensive list of articles on this mineral discovery, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

5.1.2. Ring of Fire: Illegal Construction of Mining-related Projects

The Ring of Fire is a roughly 5,120 square kilometre crescent-shaped area of Ontario’s boreal forest that has been subject to intense claim staking, prospecting and exploration ever since copper and zinc were discovered in the area in the late 1990s. After a flurry of exploration activity, the area is now known also to contain nickel, gold, diamonds and potentially the single largest source of chromite in North America. Interest in chromite is extremely high as it is used to make stainless steel. Chromite is also a strategic mineral used in the production of missile components and armour plating. A U.S. mining company reportedly intends to invest approximately $800 million (US) to develop a large open pit mine to extract high-grade chromite near McFauld’s Lake in the Ring of Fire. In March 2010, the Premier noted that this find is the “most promising mining opportunity in Canada in a century.”

In September 2009, a company submitted an application to MNR seeking approval to construct a mining camp and permanent airstrip 18 km west of McFauld’s Lake. The proponent sought permission to develop 81 hectares of Crown land to build an 1,830-metre airstrip, four helicopter pads, a fuelling area, storage facilities and staff accommodations. The key approvals process for this proposed project is the Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects. Under this approvals process, the proposal was evaluated as a “category B” project in which there is the “potential for low to medium negative environmental effects, and/or public or agency concern.”

Several days after the Class EA process began, MNR staff flew over the site to inspect it. To their surprise, the proponent had already cleared the forest and constructed the mining work camp and airstrip, which appeared to be in active use. MNR halted the Class EA process and issued a warrant under the Public Lands Act to stop the unauthorized occupation and use of Crown land. MNR then began investigating whether any other laws had been broken.

Part Five of the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario Annual Report 2009/2010 – Modernizing Mining in Ontario

February 11, 2011September 24, 2010

For the entire annual report go to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario website: Redefining Conservation: Annual Report 2009/2010

For an extensive list of articles on this mineral discovery, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

2010 Amendments to the Mining Act

From Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO) Issues

In the 1800s, miners used picks and shovels to find and extract minerals. Embarking out into the wilderness of Ontario, prospectors had “free entry” to access any land that contained Crown-owned minerals. They could stake their claims with wooden posts and acquire mineral leases with no need to consider the interests of property owners or the public. This right of free entry was a fundamental feature of Ontario’s first mining laws and was designed to promote mining activity, create wealth in the province and encourage the settlement of the northern lands.

Much has changed in Ontario since the Mining Act (the “Act”) was enacted in 1869. First, there are many more recognized uses for Ontario’s land than mining. Second, early mines were generally small in scale with a relatively small ecological footprint; modern day mining often involves large-scale and mechanized digging, drilling and blasting, with the potential to have significant environmental impacts. Finally, the public has grown more concerned about our natural environment and the impacts of human activities, expecting environmental risks to be mitigated and mining lands restored.

Although the Mining Act and the concept of free entry may have worked in the 19th century, it is clearly at odds with 21st century land uses and values. Free entry assumes that mineral development is appropriate almost everywhere and that it is the “best” use of Crown land in almost all circumstances, giving mining priority over forestry, commercial development, recreation and tourism, the interests of Aboriginal communities, and the conservation of ecologically significant species and landscape features.

Lack of Mining Oversight Jeopardizes the Far North – Environmental Commissioner of Ontario News Release

September 23, 2010

Toronto, 22 September 2010 – The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario says mining service companies are using claim staking, exploration, and related activities to circumvent the government’s promise to protect half the boreal forest in the Far North. In his 2009/2010 annual report released today, Gord Miller says this is putting the fragile environment of northern Ontario at risk.

Last year, two lines of mining claims hundreds of kilometres long were staked by mining exploration companies to accommodate future rail access leading out of the Ring of Fire, an area known to contain gold, diamonds and potentially the largest source of chromite in North America. “Using mining claims to cut rail lines across a giant swath of the boreal forest nullifies any reasonable discussion about how to plan the protection and the development of northern Ontario,” says Miller.

“Furthermore, the government’s silence on this staking implies that it approves this as appropriate under the Mining Act and its proposed Far North Act.”

The report also found that ineffective government oversight allowed service companies to illegally construct a mining camp and airstrips without approval.