AMC reminds Canada of Duty to Consult with First Nations
March 9, 2020
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
alexpapineau
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada issued a press release today inviting the public to comment on the potential environmental effects and mitigation measures for the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels project. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Arlen Dumas acknowledges the federal government’s responsibility to conduct environmental assessments and grant approvals for various infrastructure projects in Manitoba but the AMC wants to remind Canada of its duty to consult and accommodate First Nations.
AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas says, “It is no longer acceptable for any government to conduct assessments and grant approval for construction of infrastructure without First Nations consultation and participation. First Nations need to be full participants as it relates to the discussion on the potential environmental effects of the project and any proposed measures to prevent or mitigate those effects. This cannot just be done via an open invitation to the general public and Indigenous groups to comment online up until April 23, 2020. The AMC standsbeside our First Nations to ensure that environmental stewardship is front and centre when it comes to the construction of the Lake Manitoba and Lake St Martin Outlet Channels project. The Duty to Consult and accommodate requires First Nation-based meetings and dialogue.”