Scugog Island First Nation reminds Pickering Mayor – again – to consult with Indigenous community – Insauga.com
June 10, 2024
Durham Region’s only First Nation is once again reminding Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe that Strong Mayor Powers granted to municipal mayors by the Province do not supersede their obligation to consult with local indigenous communities on important planning matters.
Mississaugas of Scugog Island (MSIFN) Chief Kelly LaRocca and Councillors Sylvia Coleman and Jeff Forbes made it clear to Ashe they have “profound concerns” with how strong mayor powers appear to be interpreted.
MSIFN Council cited Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which obliges the Crown to consult with First Nations. Ashe left out the First Nation in his comments declaring the goal of building more homes in northeast Pickering to meet provincially mandated housing targets is a “shared commitment” of the Province, the federal government and the two levels of local government.
“My letter to the minister reinforces this collective priority and outlines decisive action that should be taken in order to help achieve our critical goal of sustainable development.”
