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AFN Chief: Restrict Permits and Licenses to Companies With Poor Working Relationship With First Nations

Monday, 10 December 2018 13:50

Photo courtesy of the Manitoulin Expositor

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde comments came at the First Minister Meeting today in Montreal.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde says permits and licenses shouldn't be given out by government until companies have established a good relationship with local First Nations where they're working.

The statement came at the First Ministers Meeting in Montreal today, and Bellegarde identified procurement, employment and revenue sharing as specific ways for companies to engage more with local First Nations.

During the meeting, Bellegarde also said ignoring the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples would restrict trade and development for those countries.

Recruiting and keeping First Nations on advisory councils, corporate boards and decision-making bodies were other ways Bellegarde said as ways to improve opportunities for First Nations.

The National Indigenous Economic Development Board suggests Canada misses out on $27.7 billion dollars annually to due under-utilization of the Indigenous workforce.

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