bigUps

You mention it will be hard to shift from the appearance of consultation to the substance..

from what I read below....

-there was lack of documentation from Landore..

-Landore had concerns that were noted by the Ministry

-Eabametoong  wanted another meeting to discuss those concerns

-neither Landore NOR the ministry addressed the concerns (or shall we say had proof of this)

-the opportunity was foreclosed with no explanation and the Ministry went ahead without seeking or giving real feedback

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In the case of Noront they have bent over backwards to address concerns....for YEARS

What has been forgetten is the following:

-only one road to get the goods out was needed.

Cliffs wanted the North South Road.

Noront wanted the East west ONLY because it would allow more local FN's to participate in jobs and opportunity.

Noront stated numerous times they will use whatever road is agreed to .

The east west road study was funded by the province and federal gov't. 4 reserves got money for participating in this study.

For years multiple studies were done with various routes (did one , two , three, or four want to be connected for this east west road?)

This was always an option for FN's and not a necessity for Noront...who could easily have been a producer with a simple north south road.

The way is stands right now...Webequie and Marten falls have an EA for extensions from the north south road.

Noront's very overdue EA has both east west and north south road in it's contents.

They are happy with whichever road .

so why not pick the one north south and get on with it?

 Below is the framework agreement and note the priority given to the reserves that have submitted EA's for roads.

https://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/sites/default/files/rof_regional_framework_agreement_2014.pdf

“And Whereas the Parties acknowledge that Ontario has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Marten Falls First Nation and a Memorandum of Cooperation (“MOC”) with Webequie, related to mineral exploration and development activities, and that entering into this Regional Framework does not alter or modify Ontario’s commitments in the MOU and MOC respectively, to which Ontario remains firmly committed, and to which it will give a continuing priority in its direct discussions with Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation;”

It looks to me based on the submitted EA’s for roads that the reserves given priority are ready to move forward.