Resiliency, optimism and opportunity at PDAC 2016 "CSR was also an important theme at the annual China Mining Investment Symposium, another event sponsored by Gowling WLG. Maya Stano, of Gowling WLG’s Vancouver office, a professional geological engineer who advises on Aboriginal and environmental law matters with a focus on natural resource development, spoke on a panel to the large Chinese delegation at the symposium about the importance of the social licence in Canada, and how critical it is to meaningfully engage with the local community.
Scott Smith and Paul Seaman of Gowling WLG’s Vancouver office continued this theme at their presentation titled: “Effective Strategies for Partnership with Indigenous Communities.” They explained the importance and role of Aboriginal consultation, which was strengthened after the Supreme Court of Canada’s Tsilhqot’in decision, where Aboriginal title was formally recognized. Now consent is the “gold standard,” which consequently enhances the position of Canadian indigenous communities regarding mining developments. Arguably, after the Tsilhqot’in decision, Aboriginal titleholders can say no to development on their lands, even in situations where companies have already invested and started developing projects. Canada is fully committed to partnering with communities and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is taking the lead on this, having stated that it is time for a “nation-to-nation relationship…based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership.
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