Atleo toughens stand with Ottawa on resource development

Newly re-elected Assembly of First Nations national chief Shawn Atleo says Ottawa has fallen “far short” on consulting first nations on resource development and the advocacy organization will now focus its efforts on engaging directly with businesses.

Citing examples such as the Conservative government’s changes to environmental assessments in an attempt to speed up resource developments, Mr. Atleo said first nations are not being treated as equal partners, and the consultations were not made to “the minimum acceptable requirement.”

Mr. Atleo has been accused of cozying up with the Conservative government during the election process, but his statements Thursday were far more confrontational.

He said he would be prepared to stand with native communities to halt and delay resource developments across the country if the chiefs feel that is the best tactic for projects such as the Northern Gateway pipeline.

“The chiefs are standing together and saying if you do not deal with the recognition of our title rights, it will not result in more efficient development,” he said the day after he was re-elected to a second three-year term as national chief of Canada’s largest aboriginal organization.

“It feels like we’re finally being heard ... That there is a good business reason for businesses to invest in our young people,” Mr. Atleo added.

Canadian business leaders have urged politicians to bring aboriginal communities more fully on board in the development of Canada’s energy industry.

A report by the Canadian Council of Chief Executives released ahead of the AFN’s assembly argues that, for any national energy strategy to succeed, government must ensure that first nations people are true partners in planning and developing projects, as well as supplying much-needed labour.

With billions of dollars at stake, the report suggests a broader perspective is required, one that benefits the entire country rather than individual companies, regions and communities.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan said the government will work with communities to “create the conditions for Canada’s first nations to achieve the prosperity they seek, benefiting not just them, but all Canadians.”

“Building on the progress we have made together will require us to have the courage to embrace change ... and ask tough questions,” he said in a statement.

Original Article
Source: the globe and mail
Author: TAMARA BALUJA