For Immediate Release
March 17, 2008
Backgrounder
This is what the Ontario government has put on the table to date, contingent on KI following the rule of law:
- A Letter of Intent, which creates a new working relationship based on a commitment to positive and meaningful development within the traditional territory of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation and recognizes that a new relationship is required to address a number of outstanding issues of priority including the creation of a bilateral forum to address: land use planning matters; resource benefits sharing arrangements; consultation relating to lands and natural resources situated within the traditional territory of the First Nation, and issues relating to mining within your traditional territory.
- This bilateral forum would be in effect for up to one year from the signing of the Letter of Intent.
- In addition, if the Letter of Intent is signed, Ontario would contribute $200,000 towards KI's legal costs and $100,000 towards the bilateral relationship forum with Ontario. Ontario is already supporting KI's participation in the consultation with Platinex Inc. and the Ontario government with up to $150,000 from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (of which $50,000 has been provided to date).
- The Letter of Intent also proposes a Joint Panel to address past events and actions involving Platinex Inc. and KI, with a view to identifying best practices for the future. The panel could consist of a member of KI and a representative of the Ontario government.
- The Joint Panel process presumes an agreement on an enhanced Memorandum of Understanding and Consultation Protocol, with the Ontario Government, KI, and Platinex Inc. as signatories, which would include:
- No drilling for 30 days following execution of the Consultation Protocol and Memorandum of Understanding. During this time there would only be access for archaeological purposes;
- No drilling for six months after Phase 1 has been completed (24 holes) while Platinex Inc. does its analysis of the core samples and carries on with consultations in accordance with the Consultation Protocol and Memorandum of Understanding;
- Extending the buffer zone to 200 metres around burial sites (doubling what was previously proposed);
- Joint and timely instructions from KI and Platinex Inc. to Platinex's archaeologist; and
- Community (elder) participation in archaeological studies.
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Contacts:
Josh Cogan
Communications Branch
416-314-6312
Greg Crone
Minister’s Office
416-314-2529
