The Manitoba govern-ment will share up to one-quarter of mining taxes from new mines with indigenous communities.
Mineral Resources Minister Dave Chomiak first told The Reminder in December that the province had offered First Nations a share of mine taxes.
Last week the government announced a finalized deal.
“Indigenous commu-nities that want to particip-ate in the mineral resources industry will be partners every step of the way as new mines are brought on line and they will share in the benefits of resource development,” Chomiak said in a news release. “There will be new training opportunities, good jobs, revenue sharing and a range of social and economic benefits for indigenous communities. This will also send an important message to those who want to invest in Manitoba’s mining sector that we’re open for business.”
The announcement stems from the Minister’s Mining Advisory Council (MMAC), which was formed in 2013 in a bid to bring leadership from Manitoba, First Nations and industry together.
MMAC’s goal is to strengthen Manitoba’s investment climate, and develop a collaborative decision-making process to improve indigenous participation throughout the mining cycle.
“The work of the advisory council has already developed meaningful consultation processes, is building stronger, more respectful relationships with First Nation communities and has begun to increase First Nation decision-making,” said Chief Ron Evans of Norway House Cree Nation, co-chair of MMAC.
