Far North Act protests heat up at Queen’s Park

First Nations and business leaders from Northwestern Ontario are turning up the pressure to stop Bill-191, which is also known as the Far North Act.

The group held its first of two rallies outside Queen's Park in Toronto Wednesday morning. Leadership with the Nishnawbe-Aski Nations was joined by members of tribal councils and the president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.

NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy said the McGuinty government has been trying to put a positive spin on First Nations involvement in the bill. But he added that their recommendations have not been reflected in the wording of the legislation, despite repeated efforts to have their voice heard.

The rally is aimed at getting the government to immediately withdraw the Far North Act, which would protect about half the remote North from development.

The bill is scheduled for a third and final reading Thursday. Another rally is planned for Thursday morning at Queen's Park.