WESTBANK FIRST NATION SELF-GOVERNMENT BILL REINSTATED IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

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2-02472OTTAWA (February 12, 2004) -- The Westbank First Nation Self-Government Bill was reinstated in the House of Commons today by the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.The proposed legislation is meant to implement the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Agreement which was signed by Westbank First Nation and Canada on October 3, 2003.The Agreement is the first stand-alone (no land component) self-government agreement signed in Canada under the federal Inherent Right Policy."Self-Government agreements like this one with the Westbank First Nation offer access to the benefits of self-government within a cooperative framework with the Government of Canada," said Minister Mitchell. "It also provides the means and the opportunity to build capacity and prosperity, which are important elements in the application of the inherent right to self-government. With a collaborative approach we can make a difference in the lives of individuals, in the community and in Canada." The Self-Government Agreement provides for a Westbank constitution that sets out the structure, duties and composition of its government and requires that it be open, democratic and accountable.The Agreement requires a mechanism by which non-member residents on Westbank lands can make representations to the Westbank First Nation on laws that directly affect them.The legislation represents the final step in Canada's ratification of the Westbank First Nation Self-Government Agreement. The proposed legislation will bring into effect the terms of the Self-Government Agreement and give Westbank First Nation the authority to make laws in certain areas of jurisdiction set forth in the Agreement. Backgrounder - The Proposed Westbank First Nation Self-Government Act For further information, please contact: Diane Laursen INAC Media Relations (819) 994-2044

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2016-12-15

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WESTBANK FIRST NATION SELF-GOVERNMENT BILL REINSTATED IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

News Release

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