Oujé Bougoumou, Quebec
November 7, 2011
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Premier Ministre Charest, Elders, Grand Chief Coon Come, Chief Neeposh, Minister Corbeil, Minister Kelley, fellow members of Parliament, community members and distinguished guests. Thank you for that kind introduction and for the warm welcome to traditional Cree territory.
Il me fait grandement plaisir de participer aujourd'hui à cet événement historique, and to sign, on behalf of Canada, the Complementary Agreement with the Cree of Oujé-Bougoumou. Today's signing recognizes Oujé-Bougoumou as the ninth Cree community under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and the Cree-Naskapi of Quebec Act. After many years of negotiation, Oujé-Bougoumou now has the same legal standing, rights, powers and obligations as the eight other Cree bands.
The Complementary Agreement is about much more than legal status. It's also about eliminating barriers to development, strengthening governance and enabling this community to achieve its full potential.
Cette entente ouvre la porte à de grandes opportunités. And given the remarkable accomplishments of Oujé-Bougoumou, I have no doubt that you will make the most of these opportunities.
The United Nations, among other groups, has recognized this community as one of the most innovative in the world. Energy for home heating and hot-water tanks comes from a central plant that burns waste sawdust from a privately owned mill. This is not only good for the environment, but also saves money and creates an ongoing and valuable partnership.
Oujé-Bougoumou's housing program is another innovation that meets the specific needs of this community. The program includes options to own and rent, and sets different rental rates based on the incomes of occupants. Renters can even become owners over time. This community will complete another outstanding achievement next week, when it opens a Cree cultural institute. The institute will celebrate Cree culture and help share it around the world.
The Cree of Oujé-Bougoumou have travelled a long and often difficult road to get where you are today. Today's signing is the culmination of an effort spanning many decades, and builds on earlier agreements negotiated with Canada and the province of Quebec. I have tremendous respect and appreciation for your hard work and determination. J'ai énormément de respect pour votre travail acharné et votre détermination.
With today's signing, Canada honours its obligation to the Cree of Oujé-Bougoumou and signals its willingness to build a strong and lasting relationship. You are now part of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. This is an exciting opportunity for your community to move forward in an environment of social and economic prosperity.
Thank you, Merci, Wachia.
