Question to Minister of Aboriginal Affairs: Far North Planning Act

Mr. Gilles Bisson: My question is to the Premier. Premier, your government announced a great fanfare repeated numerous times, that you have a new relationship with First Nations. My question simply is this: You know that Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Treaty 5, those affected by the Far North planning act, are opposed to the continued process that your government has to enact that legislation. Why are you moving forward with this legislation when clearly they’re telling you not to?

Hon. Dalton McGuinty: To the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: The member is absolutely right. We do have a very different and a better relationship with First Nations. It’s a relationship based on discussion, based on negotiation, based on recognizing our shared futures, particularly in the north but throughout the province of Ontario.

Now, my colleague, the Minister of Natural Resources; and my colleague, the Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry; our ministry and others are working very closely and will continue to with NAN, with Treaty 5, with all affected areas in making sure that the planning process for the north for the future can accommodate all of our wishes and will be a better economic future for the province of Ontario and for First Nations.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Supplementary?

Mr. Gilles Bisson: Well, I’m afraid, Minister and Premier, from where the First Nations sit, the relationship is no different. It is more colonialism when it comes to the approach of how we deal with the issues that affect First Nations.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is being very clear in the resolution they put forward this spring. They said that Bill 191 must be deferred until NAN First Nations and Ontario agree on a consultation, accommodation, and consent process.

So clearly they don’t want you to go forward. Why are you doing so when they’re telling you not to?

Hon. Christopher Bentley: The only thing that’s stuck in the past is the question.

When we approached the issue of the Mining Act and the reforms to the Mining Act, a completely different approach than that which was followed many years ago, including by his government.

When we approached the issue of training, of post-secondary opportunities, a completely different approach, as evidenced through the budget with the $45 million for training directed to the north around the Ring of Fire, than was evidenced in the past.

When we approach the issue of Far North land use planning, a consultative approach from the beginning.

When we approached the issue of the HST, we stand together with First Nations and need the federal government to come onside. And when we—

Interjections.

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Order. Minister, wrap up.

Hon. Christopher Bentley: Those who laugh at a working co-operative consultative relationship, they’re stuck in the past. We’re for the future and we’re working with First Nations, side by side.