Ottawa, Ontario (July 4, 2011) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and the Honourable Peter Penashue, Member of Parliament for Labrador, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, today issued the following statement:
"Our government would like to congratulate the Innu Nation of Labrador on their successful June 30th ratification of the comprehensive land claim Agreement-in- Principle (AIP). We especially want to commend the efforts of Grand Chief Joseph Riche and Deputy Grand Chief George Rich of the Innu Nation, as well as the Innu people of Labrador, in reaching this important milestone in negotiations.
After 20 years of negotiations, this successful vote allows us to continue negotiations to conclude a final agreement for the benefit of all Canadians.
This AIP is associated with the New Dawn Agreement which is a bilateral agreement between the Innu Nation and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The AIP confirms Canada's commitment to negotiate comprehensive land claim agreements in the interest of all parties. Our government recognizes that land claim settlements help create a stable and positive climate for economic investment and development on both Aboriginal lands and in surrounding communities."
