MATAWA CHIEFS COUNCIL CALL FOR PARTICIPATION PRIOR TO PROPOSED ONTARIO LEGISLATION ON A NEW LAND DESIGNATION OF ‘REGION OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE’
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MATAWA CHIEFS COUNCIL CALL FOR PARTICIPATION PRIOR TO PROPOSED ONTARIO LEGISLATION ON A NEW LAND DESIGNATION OF ‘REGION OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE’
THUNDER BAY, ON – Today, the Matawa Chiefs Council issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s Ontario Speech from the Throne delivered in Queen’s Park by The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
“The impact of the legislation expected to be unveiled in the Ontario legislature is not limited to the Matawa territory but is indicated to apply to all First Nations territories across Northern Ontario that may contain critical minerals or precious metals.
Formal discussions are required before the proposed legislation moves forward to lead legislative change with the Premier’s Office to ensure that the designation occurs with meaningful Crown engagement, mutual respect, implementation resources and the negotiation of agreements to address the priorities and crises of all the Matawa First Nation communities in parallel with the priorities of Ontario.
Ontario’s decision to unilaterally impose legislation to designate the territory of Matawa member First Nations without government-to-government level discussions and agreement is unacceptable. The proposed legislation will have significant potential impact to current and future negotiations of First Nation agreements with government, the mining industry and business partnerships.”
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For more information, please contact Carol Audet, Communications Manager – Matawa First Nations at (807) 632-9663 or by email at caudet@matawa.on.ca.caudet@matawa.on.ca.