First Nations leadership will have a key role in a new Mining Advisory Council along with industry representatives and the Government of Manitoba to ensure First Nations communities benefit from the development of new mines.

Mineral Resources Minister Dave Chomiak says there will be new training opportunities, good jobs, revenue sharing and a range of social and economic benefits for First Nations.

The Council will be co-chaired by Chief Ron Evans of Norway House Cree Nation and Chief Donovan Fontaine of the Sagkeeng First Nation.  Also among the thirteen members of the Council are Tom Goodman who is retired from Hudbay, Brad Lantz who is Vice-President of the Manitoba Business Unit for Hudbay and Chief Andrew Colomb of the Marcel Colomb First Nation.