Reaction pours in after Supreme Court ruling
Many different view points on Supreme Court ruling about logging at Grassy Narrows.
Earlier today, justices at the Supreme Court of Canada backed the ability of provinces to issue logging and mining permits for traditional lands. However, the ruling also put limits on the jurisdiction of the provinces. The decision also said the federal government didn’t have to be involved, noting the province could represent the interests of the Crown involved in the treaty.
Wayne Roznowsky is the Canadian spokesman for Weyerhaeuser. After the ruling, he issued a prepared statement on behalf of the company.
“Weyerhaeuser acknowledges that the Supreme Court of Canada has recognized both the ongoing rights of Grassy Narrows First Nation to carry out hunting, fishing and trapping, and the authority of the Province of Ontario to take up lands in the province for a range of purposes including forestry,” it said.
“This ruling is good news for the many employees and contractors, including First Nations, at Weyerhaeuser’s Kenora, Ontario, TimberStrand facility as it provides clarity on all parties’ rights and duties. Weyerhaeuser commits to work with all parties to ensure that the interests of Grassy Narrows First Nation are understood and accommodated,” the statement continued.
Lawyers for Wabauskang First Nation also made arguments before the court, since they’re concerned about mining on their traditional lands. After the decision was released, the First Nation also issued a statement.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is inconsistent with our understanding of our treaty relationship,” said Wabauskang Chief Martine Petiquan in the statement. “Our treaty is with Canada. It is Canada that is responsible for fulfilling the promises made to the people of Treaty 3. We have always maintained, and will continue to affirm, that the federal government needs to be involved in ensuring that our treaty rights are respected.”
“We will not be dismissed, no one is taking our resources without us benefiting and no one is going to destroy our children’s future,” said Wabauskang First Nation Councillor Jo-Anne Petiquan-Moore. “We will fight for our resources.”
“We are putting the province and industry on notice that they cannot continue to ignore our Treaty,” added Wabauskang Chief Martine Petiquan. “It is no longer business as usual. We intend to hold the province to account. If it doesn’t fulfil the responsibilities the Court has said it has, we’ll be back in court to ensure that our lands are protected and our treaty is respected.”
Kenora MP Greg Rickford, who is also the federal minister responsible for natural resources, reserved comment on this morning’s decision.
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