The Manitoba government’s mineral development protocol with First Nations was the subject of a provincial government delegation at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto earlier this month. Blaine Pedersen, minister responsible for growth, enterprise and trade, was in attendance.
In the update given at PDAC, the delegation listed seven priority areas for the project, including improving communication, commerce and participation between mining companies, First Nations groups and the provincial government.
The point of the protocol is to provide an ethical and predictable path for mining companies to develop minerals on First Nations land. That will include discussions between the government and indigenous groups to determine how mineral development could affect the northern economy.
Giving a boost to northern Manitoba mining is the goal of the project.
“The engagement process also identified other priority areas outside the protocol that need to be addressed in order to advance mineral development projects, including program, policy and regulatory areas,” said a spokesperson for minister Pedersen.
Norway House Cree Nation Chief Ron Evans and former Northern Affairs minister Jim Downey have been appointed co-chairs for the project. Evans and Downey have worked with First Nations and mining companies, ranging from smaller junior operations to major corporations. Downey joined Pedersen at the convention.
A final release date for the protocol hasn’t been specified, but it is anticipated soon.
“The process is ongoing and the co-chairs will be submitting their report and final recommendations to government in the weeks ahead,” said the spokesperson.
