Changes to Mining Act too 'hasty.' says Atikokan Mayor.

• Position: IN BRIEF

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown isn't thrilled with the provincial government's attempt to fast-track public consultations before making changes to the Mining Act.

In a letter to Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle, Brown chastises the government for its "unreasonable time frame and minimal consultation" in meeting with northwestern Ontario communities.

The McGuinty government staged public meetings in Timmins, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Kingston and Toronto in early August and September. In some cities, affected people and companies had only one week's notice to travel and respond. The government wants to introduce new Mining Act legislation this fall when the Legislature resumes.

"The government's process regarding this issue has been hastily...