Mining Act Passes Third and Final Reading

Changes to Ontario’s Mining Act aimed at addressing
conflicts between prospectors and private landowners have been approved by the legislature.
The upgrades to the act were passed by a vote of 57 to 31.
Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle
announced the changes in April, saying the legislation would
modernize the way companies stake claims so they are more respectful of landowners and the environment.
The act will also make Ontario the first province to recognize aboriginal and treaty rights in its Mining Act, and to include a dispute-resolution process for First Nations issues.
The legislation stops short, however, of giving aboriginal
communities a share of mining revenues.