OTTAWA, ONTARIO (February 26, 2013) - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today on the Land Claims Agreements Coalition's fourth national conference, "Keeping the Promise: The Path Ahead to Full Modern Treaty Implementation":
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank the Land Claims Agreements Coalition for hosting this important gathering.
Canada continues to support the negotiation and implementation of modern treaties, also known as comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements, with Aboriginal groups. Across Canada, there are 26 modern-day treaties that have been successfully negotiated and that are currently being implemented.
By clarifying land and resource ownership, modern treaties create a stable and positive climate for economic investment and development on both Aboriginal lands and in surrounding communities. As a result of these agreements, Aboriginal communities are in a better position to undertake new business ventures and partnerships, leading to jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.
The successful implementation of these agreements is a shared responsibility with all parties to the treaty, and Canada has been working with its treaty partners over the past several years to strengthen implementation processes.
Canada will continue to meet its obligations and work with treaty partners to meet the broader objectives of the treaty to truly make these agreements work for the benefit of all Canadians."
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
819-997-0002
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
