New rules could soon be coming for Manitoba mining companies hoping to work with First Nations groups.
A formal response from the provincial government regarding the Manitoba-First Nations Mineral Development Protocol is due to come later this month, according to previous provincial statements.
In June, the provincial government and the Ministry of Growth, Enterprise and Trade announced a report from the project’s co-chairs – Ron Evans, former chief of Norway House Cree Nation, and Jim Downey, former deputy premier and MLA – that detailed the set of protocols.
“A formal response is currently being finalized,” said a provincial spokesperson.
According to a statement from the spokesperson, the response to the report and implementation of the measures is currently being worked on by the province.
“We look forward to sharing the response and next steps with First Nations, industry groups and stakeholders,” they said.
The protocols will formalize processes between companies wishing to open mining operations and First Nations groups. The hope for the protocols is to create business practices that, according to the spokesperson, are “clear, predictable and include reasonable timeframes.”
The protocols would not only provide guidelines, but add options for individual First Nations to add more input into mines and other work , including disallowing mining on land controlled by indigenous groups.
“The goal is to provide greater certainty for all parties involved,” continues the statement.
“What is new, with the introduction of a protocol, is clear and predictable consultation and engagement processes. New and existing operations in areas where a protocol is introduced will know better what to expect, and this is expected to enhance public confidence in the mineral sector and provide the necessary assurance that Manitoba is the right place for business to invest, build and grow.”
All Manitoba mining companies will be covered by the protocols, including new companies starting operations.
“Anywhere a new development or mining operation is proposed, Crown Aboriginal Consultation applies where there is potential infringement on Treaty and Aboriginal rights. Willing First Nations who wish to adopt the protocol are encouraged to work with the Manitoba government to implement it,” said the spokesperson, who added that companies could, in part, base decisions on where they operate on how receptive individual First Nations are to mining.
