The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) yesterday clarified that its MoU with the City of Pickering does not indicate MSIFN support for northeast Pickering development.
The clarification came in a statement issued yesterday following the MoU announcement by Pickering late September.
MSIFN pointed out that the MoU is an interim framework toward a long term consultation protocol for future city decisions and related studies that may affect MSIFN’s aboriginal and treaty rights.
“The MoU should not be interpreted as MSIFN support for the northeast Pickering secondary plan or for development in northeast Pickering,” said the statement.
“MSIFN continues to maintain its concerns and legal positions regarding the secondary plan,” it emphasized.
“This MoU is about making sure MSIFN is not an afterthought in discussions about decision that may affect our treaty and aboriginal rights to land. It does not change our concerns about the northeast Pickering secondary plan, and it should not be taken as support for development in the area. It gives us a clear path for continued dialogue with the intent of honouring meaningful consultation,” said Kelly LaRocca MSIFN Chief.
Four Point Opposition To Plan
On May 20 MSIFN chief and council yesterday clarified they have consistently expressed opposition to the proposed northeast Pickering secondary plan due to unresolved concerns regarding:
- The adequacy of meaningful consultation prior to approval of the draft secondary plan,
- Inconsistency with provincial planning statement 2024,
- Unaddressed cumulative impacts concerns, and
- The potential for adverse impacts to aboriginal and treaty rights.
“Discussions are continuing with the City of Pickering, but no agreement has been finalized at this time. MSIFN’s position with respect to the secondary plan remains the same,” said a MSIFN statement.
Chief Kelly LaRocca and representatives from MSIFN had met with Mayor Ashe and City of Pickering staff on April 20, to discuss establishing a consultation protocol in an effort to address these issues.
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