No. H 005/08
For release - January 14, 2008
OTTAWA — The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today announced the appointment of Mr. Douglas Eyford as chief federal negotiator to work with First Nations to resolve their outstanding concerns with the Prince Rupert Port Authority's Fairview container terminal projects.
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Eyford," said Minister Cannon. "His appointment is another step towards achieving our government's commitment to a timely long-term solution to First Nations concerns with Prince Rupert's container terminal projects."
"The recent opening of Prince Rupert's new container terminal marked the beginning of a new era for Prince Rupert and a major milestone for British Columbia and Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor initiative," said Minister Emerson. "Partnership was key to the new terminal being built and it will continue to drive the development of the Port of Prince Rupert in the future."
"Mr. Eyford has an excellent background that is well-suited to this important role," said Minister Strahl. "He will be responsible for helping resolve outstanding issues with First Nations. Our government is committed to negotiating a fair and balanced agreement that will provide access to economic opportunities and benefits for local First Nations, their neighbours and all Canadians."
Mr. Eyford is a litigation partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, of Vancouver, B.C., practising in civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He is currently with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada acting as a chief federal negotiator. He has also represented clients at arbitrations and mediations, and appeared as counsel in British Columbia and Manitoba courts, and before regulatory and administrative tribunals. He has lectured and written extensively on legal issues, including insurance litigation and media law.
The Government of Canada invested $30 million in the construction of the new Fairview container terminal and is investing a further $28 million to establish a state-of-the-art container-screening program to help ensure secure and efficient border services for the terminal.
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Contacts:
Karine White
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Ted Yeomans
Office of the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status
Indians, Gatineau
819-997-0002
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