2-02485CHICOUTIMI (QUEBEC), April 1, 2004 - The President of the Privy Council, the Honourable Denis Coderre alongside the Member of Parliament for Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, the Honourable André Harvey, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the next steps in the process towards reaching the conclusion of a treaty between the First Nations of Mamuitun Mak Nutashkuan and the Governments of Quebec and Canada. As a first step, the Chief Federal Negotiator will be appointing a facilitator for the process around the ongoing negotiations. The facilitator¿s role will be to inform the community of this endeavour and to increase public awareness and understanding of what the process aims to achieve. Following this step, an Advisory Committee will then be established, comprised of people representing independent, third-party interests in the local community. The Government of Canada will also appoint a regional representative who will serve as a bridge between the Advisory Committee and the Chief Federal Negotiator. This regional representative will ensure that the views and added value of the Advisory Committee are conveyed to the Chief Federal Negotiator so that they can be considered during the negotiation process. The regional representative will also be charged with communicating back to the Advisory Committee the ways in which their input has been considered, as well as the impact the adoption of their advice and guidance will have on the negotiation process."We are committed to a negotiation process that considers local interests and the concerns of third parties," said Minister Coderre. "We are very pleased to begin this endeavour in the spirit of co-operation.""Local residents will now have a forum to make their concerns heard, and ensure fair representation of their interests," added Mr. Harvey. "The appointment of a federal facilitator and regional representative will help to open the door to ongoing dialogue with key third parties and promote effective forward movement," concluded Minister Mitchell.Information sessions will begin shortly outlining details of the tripartite Agreement signed on March 31, 2004. There will be a brief pause in negotiations while these new measures are put in place. These developments will serve to ensure effective and transparent negotiations with the Innu Nation with the active involvement of the citizens of the North Shore and Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean.For more information, please call:Bryan KirkPress SecretaryOffice of Minister Andy Mitchell(819) 997-0002Sarah Bain Press Secretary Office of Minister Denis Coderre(613) 943-1838 Patricia ValladaoMedia Relations Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (819) 997-8404
