Maliseet First Nations ‘dismayed’ by Sisson Mine approval – CBC

New Brunswick needed to accommodate aboriginal rights before approving EIA, says lawyer

Dec 16, 2015

A lawyer representing the six Maliseet First Nations in New Brunswick says the communities are “dismayed” to hear the province has issued environmental impact assessment approval to the Sisson Mine project before concluding aboriginal accommodation discussions with them.

“It was sudden and in our view, it was premature,” said Dominique Nouvet in an interview on Information Morning Fredericton on Wednesday.

“Honestly, based on this sudden and premature approval of the EIA, I don’t think that right now New Brunswick understands what is required.Under its duty to accommodate and consult First Nations when the government contemplates actions or decisions that may affect aboriginal or treaty rights,” she said.

Read More: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/maliseet-sisson-mine-eia-1.3367349