Now we find out if NGX does have a plan "B" . This decision is not surprising and could be what is needed to get everyone working together.
Northgate's rejection makes for some happy Indians
2008-03-07 21:30 ET - News Release
Mr. Stewart Phillip of UBCIC reports
FIRST NATIONS COMMEND CANADA AND BC FOR REJECTING THE KEMESS NORTH MINE
Indian leaders have expressed relief that Canada and British Columbia are formally rejecting Northgate Minerals Corp.'s Kemess North mine expansion project. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans cited the report of the joint environmental review panel, which did not favour the controversial project because it was found "not to be in the public interest."
"It should have been an easy decision for both governments. No government should as a matter of public policy authorize the destruction of lakes," said Edward John of the First Nation Summit. "Nevertheless, the decision was made for the right reason. In that respect, this decision can be a catalyst for first nations, governments and the mining industry in B.C. to establish working relationships so we can start down the path of true sustainable development, where everyone's interests are met."
"We trust that industry and the governments of B.C. and Canada have learned an invaluable lesson from this long and frustrating experience. They must change their attitudes, approaches and policies concerning the essential need to recognize our aboriginal title and rights," said Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). "I hope they have the vision and intelligence to understand the need to commit to these changes."
"Today's announcement should bring immense relief to the Tse Keh Nay and Gitxsan peoples who were directly affected by this mine proposal," said Shawn Atleo of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations. "Over the years, their leadership, staff and various supporters worked diligently to publicize the message that destroying Amazay Lake was just too high of a price to pay, no matter the short-term benefits promised. So now, finally, it can be said with certainty that they will not have to pay that price. For this reason, and remarkably enough that this matter did not end up in court, we can all be thankful."
The First Nations Leadership Council comprises the political executives of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
The council works together to politically represent the interests of Indians in British Columbia and to develop strategies and actions to bring about significant and substantive changes to government policy that will benefit all Indians in British Columbia. |
