Inherent and Treaty Rights Must be Front and Centre says Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde in Response to Federal Announcement of Review of Environmental Legislation

OTTAWA, June 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde responded to the announcement by the federal government that Canada will review several key pieces of environmental assessment and protection legislation.

"Any approach to environmental assessment and protection must respect First Nations rights, title and jurisdiction and recognize our responsibilities to our traditional territories," said AFN National Chief Bellegarde.  "First Nations in every region and Treaty territory must be engaged every step of the way. We did not design the process being put forward today and we will insist any approach involve all of our leadership and that any outcomes respect all of our rights."

The federal government announced on June 20 that it is undertaking a review of a number of environmental and regulatory processes. The review will include the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012; the National Energy Board regulatory process and other federal legislation. There are commitments to include First Nations in the process. AFN National Chief Bellegarde said the AFN is studying the announcement and will share information and next steps with First Nations shortly.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.  Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

SOURCE Assembly of First Nations

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789 ext. 382, 613-292-0857 (cell), [email protected]