CAMP IPPERWASH LAND INVESTIGATION AGREEMENT SIGNED

News Release

2-02495 OTTAWA, ONTARIO (May 20, 2004) -- Representatives of Canada joined community members at the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation today to celebrate the recent signing of an agreement by the First Nation and Canada on the terms of an unexploded ordnance and environmental contamination investigation of the former Camp Ipperwash lands. "I am delighted by this significant achievement for the First Nation and all area residents," stated Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Member of Parliament, Rose-Marie Ur who attended the event on behalf of the Government of Canada. "The investigation of the former Camp will yield critical information about the condition of the land so the parties can clarify options for how best to proceed with discussions on the future use of the land. This is a key step toward a final negotiated resolution that can be reasonably implemented." "The signing of this Agreement demonstrates Canada¿s commitment to working with the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation through good faith negotiations toward a fair and final settlement of the issues regarding the former Camp Ipperwash," said the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. "This agreement, along with the recent agreement on seniors¿ compensation, is an encouraging sign that progress is being made to resolve the complex issues raised through these negotiations." The Investigation Agreement and the corresponding Statement of Work negotiated between the parties set out the terms of an investigation that will address unexploded ordnance (UXO) and environmental contamination while respecting cultural resource issues at the former Camp. The investigation will be conducted in a manner that will best protect the environment and the health and safety of all concerned. "We have been negotiating since 1995, and it is good to finally have a commitment to the assessment process, which will commence this year," stated Chief Tom Bressette. Chief Bressette went on to praise the work of his negotiating team, including its experts on the file, saying that they had a strategy to gain compensation for their seniors and that it is gratifying to see that those seniors most affected by the 1942 appropriation of the Camp by Canada will benefit from this compensation package. As the next step, the contracting process will be initiated to retain a qualified firm to conduct the investigation. For further information contact: Patricia Valladao INAC Media Relations (819) 997-8404

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2016-12-15

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CAMP IPPERWASH LAND INVESTIGATION AGREEMENT SIGNED

News Release

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