Specific Claims Tribunal Re-Appointment Announced

News Release

December 18, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – Department of Justice

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the reappointment of Mr. Justice Harry Slade of the Supreme Court of British Columbia as Chairperson of the Specific Claims Tribunal.

The Specific Claims Tribunal plays an important role in helping to improve and expedite resolutions to specific claims made by Canada’s First Nations.  The Tribunal uses practical measures to ensure faster processing of claims by the Government of Canada. In doing so, it not only provides greater justice to First Nations, but also greater certainty to Canadians in general.

The Tribunal is an independent body with the power to make binding decisions to resolve specific claims. Negotiations continue to be Canada’s first choice for resolving First Nation specific claims. The Tribunal process is an alternative to the courts for First Nations when other options fail.

Canada and the Assembly of First Nations jointly developed the Specific Claims Tribunal Act which established the Tribunal. This legislation came into force on October 16, 2008. It has been instrumental in resolving more than 100 specific claims since it began operations.

For more information about the progress of the Specific Claims Tribunal, please visit www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/al/ldc/spc/plc/index-eng.asp.

These appointments are effective immediately.

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Contacts

• Media Relations
  Department of Justice
  613-957-4207

Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould Justice Canada Law