December 13, 2000

In accordance with a recommendation of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, Industry, Trades and Mines Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk has announced that the province will renounce the province's 50 per cent interest in mineral development activities on reserve land.

Bill 8, the Mines and Minerals Amendment Act, would enable the province to renounce Manitoba's half interest in minerals on reserve lands, thereby allowing First Nations the ability to accrue greater benefit from mineral development activities on reserve land.

"This amendment would enhance the ability of First Nations to negotiate their own terms and conditions for the development of minerals on their own land," said Mihychuk. "This would give First Nations communities the ability to develop the mineral wealth on their reserve land to meet their own specific community needs.

"We believe that there are significant opportunities for mineral exploration in Northern Manitoba and it is our intention that this amendment will allow First Nations the opportunity to enhance their participation in mineral exploration and development."

Presently, the Manitoba Mines and Minerals Act allows the province to receive up to 50 per cent interest on any rent, royalties, taxes or any other levy related to mineral development on reserve land.

"The report of the 1991 Aboriginal Justice Inquiry recommended that the province renounce its portion in minerals within reserve lands," said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson. "This commitment satisfies this recommendation and has the potential to spur economic development for First Nations."

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