#first-nations

#first-nations

Canada's supreme court said on Thursday that it would not hear a challenge from the town of South Bruce Peninsula, which is contesting a lower court's ruling that the Saugeen First Nation's reserve was erroneously smaller than promised. In its application to the country's highest court, the town warned that a victory for the Saugeens would risk sowing uncertainty and unpredictability at the core of Canada's system of private landholding.

Ford emphasized that First Nations should not keep approaching the government for financial help, indicating a desire for autonomy in economic development.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans to designate the mineral-rich Ring of Fire as a special economic zone, aiming for swift development and consultation with First Nations.

"We are going to enunciate explicitly in each one that the duty to consult is there and it will be upheld to the highest standards," Rickford said.

Ontario is moving forward with legislation to accelerate mining development, significantly reducing environmental assessments which has raised concerns among First Nations regarding consent.