Ottawa - (March 29, 2007) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians today announced federal efforts to advance negotiations with Haudenosaunee/Six Nations and help bring peace and stability to the Caledonia area.
The twofold announcement includes $26.4 million toward Ontario's extraordinary costs incurred as a result of the occupation near Caledonia. In addition, Canada's New Government has expanded its negotiations mandate to allow more flexibility in moving these historical claims forward. Minister Prentice was joined by the Honourable Barbara McDougall, Federal Representative in discussions with the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations.
Recognizing that events in Caledonia have given rise to unique circumstances and extraordinary costs for the Province of Ontario, the ex gratia payment comprises $15.8 million toward Ontario's acquisition of the Douglas Creek Estates properties and $10.6 million toward Ontario's extraordinary policing costs.
This new phase of discussions will refocus negotiations with the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations and the Province to direct efforts on claims which Canada can move forward to negotiate. The mandate expansion will include some of the longest running claims in the country's history. The Government will at the same time continue to work with all the parties to end the occupation on the Douglas Creek Estates.
"Canada's New Government is committed to providing the Province, under these unique and extraordinary circumstances, with the financial support to foster economic stability and promote public safety," stated Minister Prentice. "We are also committed to finding common solutions through dialogue, and believe that this new phase of discussions will help move negotiations forward bringing these complex and long standing grievances closer to resolution."
"Our Federal Representative to these negotiations, the Honourable Barbara McDougall, and federal negotiator, Ron Doering, have worked very hard to ease tensions in the area and I have every confidence in their experience and commitment," added Minister Prentice.
Since discussions began in April 2006 with the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations and the Province of Ontario, Canada has sought to identify innovative means to address Haudenosaunee/Six Nations' long-standing issues. These intractable and challenging issues stem from one of the oldest claims in Canada.
"We have built a tremendous amount of trust and goodwill at the negotiating table and this expanded mandate will allow us to deliver some tangible results for both the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations community as well as for the people in and around Caledonia," stated Ms McDougall. "We have an historic opportunity to resolve some longstanding issues to the satisfaction of all parties concerned."
Discussions have included 23 main table and approximately 180 side table meetings held to date and have helped to reduce tensions in the area.
Like their neighbours, Six Nations will benefit from the stability to the region achieved by this ex gratia payment. This new phase of negotiations will bring all parties closer to resolution of these complex and long-standing grievances. Canada is committed to resolving outstanding land claims to the benefit of all Canadians.
For more information, please visit: Six Nations - Claims and Negotiations.
For further information, contact:
Minister's Office
Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002
Office of the Honourable Barbara McDougall
Ian Sadinsky
(613) 232-7818
(cell) 613-614-6110
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160
