TORONTO - The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) applauds the introduction yesterday of the proposed Mining Act by the Ontario government. Once passed, this will enact the first major reforms to mining legislation in Canada in more than 100 years. Ontario is showing leadership with this proposed legislation to reflect today's imperatives to consult and accommodate Aboriginal communities, step up to balance land uses and help the industry standardize more sustainable mining practices.

"This is an important step towards reconciling long-standing conflicts between the interests of Aboriginal communities, conservationists and the mining sector. It will re-set the rule book in a way that parties and interests can count on," said Larry Innes, Executive Director of CBI.

Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to overhaul its mining legislation and move to a permitting system that stages in Aboriginal consultation and accommodation in mineral exploration and development, ensures First Nations land use plans are in place before new mines are developed, and includes a land withdrawal mechanism to protect areas considered sensitive by Aboriginal communities. While the mining sector in Ontario has taken steps in this direction, this bill will regularize these practices. It provides an important dispute resolution mechanism for Aboriginal communities.

"Once passed, this legislation will provide an important tool to support a strong economy while protecting cultural values and wildlife," continued Mr. Innes.

In July 2008, the Government of Ontario announced it would modernize mining legislation and advance First Nations-driven land use planning across the north. The province committed to plan for a sustainable northern economy and jobs for the future balanced by an inter-connected system of protected areas spanning more than 50% of Ontario's Far North region. This is key to give wildlife the best chance to adapt to climate change.

Ontario's North region covers over 40% of the province. It is the homeland of many Aboriginal communities and contains a rich diversity of wildlife. Part of the world's largest land-based storehouse of carbon, Ontario's Boreal region stores an estimated 97B tonnes of carbon dioxide, most of it in peatlands and wetlands, and absorbs every year another 12.5M tonnes. The region's natural wealth sustains hundreds of Aboriginal communities and supports thousands of jobs.