Ontario Partners with First Nations to Share Forestry and Mining Revenues

Press Release

Province Signs Historic Resource Revenue Sharing Agreements

May 3, 2018 9:00 A.M.

Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

Ontario and First Nations partners have signed historic resource revenue sharing agreements in mining and forestry – the first of their kind in the province.

These agreements with First Nations, represented by Grand Council Treaty #3, Wabun Tribal Council and Mushkegowuk Council, commit Ontario to sharing 45 per cent of government revenues from forestry stumpage, 40 per cent of the annual mining tax and royalties from active mines at the time the agreements were signed, and 45 per cent from future mines in the areas covered by the agreements.

Resource revenue sharing will enable First Nations to share in the economic benefits of forestry and mining operations near their communities. The First Nations will have full control of the allocation of these funds into key initiatives that support economic development, education, health, community and cultural priorities.

Resource revenue sharing is one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners, creating a better future for everyone in the province.

Quick Facts

These resource revenue sharing agreements were developed collaboratively with each First Nation partner organization and could eventually benefit 39 communities across three First Nation organizations: Grand Council Treaty #3, Wabun Tribal Council and Mushkegowuk Council.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“These agreements are a historic moment for the province of Ontario. Resource revenue sharing represents the commitment Ontario has to reconciliation and will support economic development opportunities to build healthy and prosperous communities across Ontario’s north.”

Nathalie Des Rosiers
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

“Resource revenue sharing provides a sustained source of funding for First Nations that will be directed towards local community priorities. These agreements are a positive step forward and an important part of Ontario’s journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.”

Michael Gravelle
Minister of Northern Development and Mines

“Sharing the wealth generated through resource development in the traditional territories of the First Nations member to Wabun has been among the primary goals of our leadership for decades. Only through the political resolve of Ontario, does this long outstanding partnership between our First Nations and Ontario occur. I would further recognize the Chiefs and member First Nations of the Wabun Tribal Council whose wise leadership guided the process to this successful conclusion. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the many dedicated members of the Ontario Public Service and the Wabun Tribal Council advisors whose significant efforts, diligence and dedication over the last five months made this sharing a reality.”

Jason Batise
Executive Director, Wabun Tribal Council

“Resource revenue sharing is a step in the right direction towards reconciliation. Our communities are continuing to take steps towards the long term goals to achieve financial independence and sovereign wealth. We as communities can be ambitious in achieving our goals while retaining our position as the stewards of the land and the First peoples of Turtle Island.”

Jason Gauthier
Lead Negotiator on Resource Revenue Sharing and Chief of Missanabie Cree First Nation, Mushkegowuk Council

“The Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3 has long awaited to receive and become partners in resource revenue sharing, and moving towards acknowledging the Treaty – that we prosper as long as the sun rises and the water runs. The Forestry and Mining Resource Sharing Agreement with the Province of Ontario is an important step towards more meaningful discussions on reconciliation, economic prosperity, and continued improvement in relationship building between the Anishinaabe Nation and the Crown.”

Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh
Grand Council Treaty #3

Media Contacts

Emily Kirk
MNRF Minister’s Office
416-314-2206

Jeff Dean
MNDM Minister’s Office
416-327-1421

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