Mines (Regulatory)
Procedures for Crown Consultation with Aboriginal Communities (draft)
The Government of Manitoba recognizes it has a duty to consult in a meaningful way with First Nations, Métis communities and other Aboriginal communities when any proposed provincial law, regulation, decision or action may infringe upon or adversely affect the exercise of an aboriginal right or treaty right of that Aboriginal community. This duty arises out of the recognition and affirmation of aboriginal and treaty rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Manitoba Innovation, Energy and Mines (the Department, now Manitoba Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation) has developed procedures for consultation with First Nations, Métis communities and other Aboriginal communities which outline the approach that the Department will use to carry out the Crown’s duty to consult about mineral exploration or mine development projects.
Procedures for Crown Consultation with Aboriginal Communities on Mineral Exploration (draft)
Procedures for Crown Consultation with Aboriginal Communities on Mine Development Projects (draft)
Materials are available in alternate formats upon request.
The objectives of these procedures are to:
- provide for a consultation process of a nature and scope that is commensurate with the potential level of effect on the exercise of treaty and aboriginal rights;
- clarify the roles of the Department and minerals industry in consultation; and
- establish a clear, certain, timely, and effective process for communication, information sharing and meaningful consultation with respect to mineral exploration and development.
Manitoba also views the consultation process reflected in these consultation procedures as helping to build positive relationships between the Government of Manitoba, Aboriginal communities and the minerals industry on issues related to mineral exploration and development.
An effective consultation process will allow the Crown to make informed decisions about any potential effects on the exercise of treaty and Aboriginal rights without unduly delaying or discouraging investment in Manitoba’s mineral resources resulting in mineral exploration and development activities, which benefit of all Manitobans, including Aboriginal people who live and work near areas of mineral exploration and mine development.
The Government of Manitoba’s draft Provincial Policy for Crown Consultation with Aboriginal Peoples dated July 10, 2007 reflects the framework through which the Government is meeting its consultation responsibilities. These procedures will be used by the Department to carry out consultation about mineral exploration or mine development projects. These procedures are expected to be reviewed and revised from time to time to reflect updates to the Provincial Consultation Policy and the Government’s experience in carrying out consultation.
