ABPA Expands Ring of Fire Study, Calling on Regulators to Uphold Truth and Reconciliation

October 7, 2025 – Robinson-Superior Treaty, Fort William First Nation Territory, Thunder Bay, Ontario: The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA) today announced a significant expansion of its research partnership with the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. The project, which initially focused on the human rights impacts of mining, will now broaden its scope to include investor protection and sustainability reporting, welcoming the Faculty’s Investor Protection Clinic (IPC) to the collaboration alongside the International Human Rights Program (IHRP).

A key development in this second phase is a new partnership with Waawoono Consultancy to continue to advance their innovative platform for corporate reporting. This platform will provide a standardized framework for companies to report on their commitments and actions related to Indigenous rights, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, and human rights compliance.

“As development pressures in the Ring of Fire intensify, true corporate accountability requires leadership from our regulatory bodies,” said ABPA President Jason Rasevych. “The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board, the Ontario Securities Commission, and the Canadian Securities Administrators have a critical role to play. It’s time for them to ‘walk the talk’ on Truth and Reconciliation by embedding the principles of UNDRIP and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent into the very fabric of our capital markets. Ignoring Indigenous rights is a material risk, and our reporting standards must reflect that.”

The expanded research project will:

• Analyze disclosure gaps in corporate reporting regarding Indigenous relations and human rights.
• Develop clear metrics for investors to assess corporate performance and risk related to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
• Construct and pilot the corporate reporting platform in partnership creating a new benchmark for accountability.
• Publish a comprehensive report with recommendations for corporations, investors, and regulators, including the OSC and CSA.

“The goal of the new platform is to create a clear line of sight for investors and the public into how companies are performing beyond rhetoric,” stated Rasevych. “This is the essence of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #92, and we call on the OSC and CSA to ensure their ecosystems fully support and enforce this level of disclosure. Reconciliation is not just a social imperative; it is a fundamental component of market integrity and investor protection.”

The project will continue to engage with First Nation leaders, industry stakeholders, and investors, with a final report expected in 2026.

About the ABPA:

The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (www.anishnawbebusiness.com) is a non-profit, member-based organization based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ABPA serves the First Nation business community within Treaty #3, Treaty#5, Treaty #9 and Robinson Huron and Superior Treaty Areas. The ABPA develops and expresses positions on business issues and other public issues relevant to First Nation business, on behalf of its members.

About the IHRP:

The International Human Rights Program at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law is an international human rights clinic that provides legal services to individuals and communities to protect and promote international human rights. The IHRP is committed to upholding Canada’s international human rights obligations and advocating for justice for those harmed by human rights abuses.

About the IPC:

The Investor Protection Clinic (IPC) at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law is a clinic dedicated to advocating for the interests of investors and contributing to the fairness and integrity of capital markets. Through research, advocacy, and education, the IPC works to address systemic issues and empower investors.

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