FREDERICTON-A group of First Nations in New Brunswick is accusing the provincial government of failing to consult them about a plan to expand the amount of Crown land available for maple syrup production. The Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn in Eel Ground, N.B., which represents nine Mi’kmaq communities, issued a statement today saying they received a provincial request for proposals about the expansion, but it makes no mention of the rights of First Nations. The government says it plans to offer an additional 5,000 hectares of Crown land for leasing over the next five years, and it insisted in a statement it is respecting its duty to consult with First Nations, a process that must be completed before any final decisions are made. The Mi’kmaq group says it is willing to work with…
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