Province’s `present’ to Cat Lake not welcome

By Mike Stimpson  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter CAT LAKE FIRST NATION-An abrupt “Christmas present” shows where the Ontario government’s priorities are, says Chief Russell Wesley. On Dec. 22, the Friday before Christmas, Wesley received a letter from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to inform him and his remote First Nation northwest of Sioux Lookout that First Mining Gold Corporation has been granted a five-year permit for an overland winter road. Cat Lake has been saying to no avail for years that it needs year-round road access as climate change imperils the reliability and safety of ice road season, he noted . “The safety of our community members is of utmost importance to us, and it is disheartening to witness the prioritization of miner safety over the safety of…

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