Ottawa, Ontario (January 28, 2011) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the appointment of James Lornie as the Minister's Special Representative to the BC Treaty Process.
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of James Lornie as my Special Representative," said Minister Duncan. "Mr. Lornie brings many years of experience in facilitation and mediation, as well as extensive experience working with Aboriginal issues in BC, to the role."
As the Minister's Special Representative Mr. Lornie will be responsible for assessing and reporting on the possibility of accelerating the conclusion of treaties with Common Table First Nations that are in the BC Treaty Process. Mr. Lornie will meet with Common Table First Nations that are in the treaty process as well as with officials within the federal Government, the BC Government, the First Nations Summit and the British Columbia Treaty Commission (BCTC).
The Government of Canada believes that negotiations under the BC treaty process are the best means of resolving outstanding rights and title issues and arriving at fair, affordable and honourable treaties that balance the interests of First Nations and all Canadians.
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Michele-Jamali Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
