First Nation in Manitoba says province, logging company failed to consult

WINNIPEG - A First Nation in Manitoba is asking for a judicial overview into business logging in a provincial park arguing it has not been correctly included in sustainable forest administration practices.

Minegoziibe Anishinabe, also called Pine Creek First Nation, is asking Manitoba Court docket of Queen’s Bench to quash the federal government’s resolution to increase a timber slicing licence to Louisiana-Pacific Canada.

The First Nation alleges the corporate has held logging rights for greater than 20 years to an space in Duck Mountain Provincial Park, positioned close to the Saskatchewan boundary, however has did not seek the advice of with the neighborhood.

The First Nation says present practices have impacted the moose inhabitants within the space as effectively entry to important medicines.

A discover of utility filed at the moment in court docket alleges the province issued an extension on the present licence final month with out consulting the nation.

The province didn't instantly return a request for remark, however the firm says in a press release it stays dedicated to partaking with First Nations about its operations in Manitoba.

Chief Derek Nepinak says the neighborhood just isn't against logging within the space however is anxious it’s not being executed in a sustainable method and desires to be included in conversations shifting ahead.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Jan. 25, 2022.