Bill C-300

Former Chief of the Ardoch Algonquin, Robert Lovelace, gave this address to an Amnesty International gathering in Toronto in October 2011. He provides a brief update of the situation of the Ardoch's confrontation with Frontenac Ventures, and comments on current industry and government approach to Corporate Social Responsibility, reforms to the Ontario Mining Act, his solidarity work with Palestine and indigenous resistence in Canada. He ends with a call to action to join the struggle "to restore the indigenous balance with the earth and its replenishing cycles that really sustain life."

On October 27, 2010, Bill C-300, the so-called Responsible Mining Bill, went to a final vote in the House of Commons. There were no illusions that the private member’s bill, put forward by Liberal MP John McKay, would breeze to victory. The ruling Conservative party whipped its MPs to oppose the Bill. And while the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois had expressed solid support for the Bill from the start, it was unclear how many would actually be in the House for the crucial vote, or, whether the intense industry lobby against the Bill may sway some to stay away.

In our countries, we have been witnesses to serious negative impacts generated by mining and extractives companies. In many cases, despite the fact that these actions amount to human rights violations, domestic crimes and violations of international environmental standards, we are unable to promote greater responsibility by these companies, due, in part to the absence of effective monitoring and complaints mechanisms. This often leaves leave the rights of farming and indigenous communities unprotected.

Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for Mining, Oil and Gas Corporations in Developing Countries, also known as the Responsible Mining Bill, has concluded hearings before the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. The Bill goes back to the House of Commons for a final vote (third reading) in the Fall.