10 First Nations in Treaty #9 have filed a $95 billion lawsuit against the federal and provincial governments.
At issue, the governments’ ability to make decisions without First Nation consent.
NDP MPP Guy Bourgouin raised the issue at Queen’s Park.
“Wake up premier…these First Nations are suing your government,” Bourgouin told the Ontario Legislature Wednesday morning during Question Period.
“The First Nations are here and they are saying the government is not cooperating. We see this time and time again.”
Bourgouin says says the lawsuit is a sign First Nations are not being listened to.
“For years they have been ignored…denied their rights, and they’ve had enough.”
The Ontario Superior Court case was filed by Attawapiskat First Nation, Apitipi Anicinapek Nation, Aroland First Nation, Constance Lake First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation, Fort Albany First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation and Neskantaga First Nation.
In addition to compensation, the lawsuit includes injunctions to prevent the provincial and federal governments from regulating or enforcing regulations in the treaty lands without the consent of the plaintiffs.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford chose not to respond to the lawsuit because he says it’s before the courts.
