July 31, 2015 – Ottawa, ON – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Brendan Sheppard, President of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), today welcomed the joint appointment of Mr. Geoffrey Brown as Chief Appeal Master to the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Enrolment process.
Mr. Brown was admitted to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 1979. He was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 2006, and has appeared before both Federal and Supreme Courts of Canada.
The Qalipu Enrolment Committee, comprised of members from Canada and the FNI, is in the process of completing its review of the 94,000 valid applications for membership in the First Nation by June 30, 2016. Applicants will be notified by mail with regard to their eligibility once this review is complete.
Applicants having a right of appeal under the Agreement will then have 30 days to appeal the decision of the Enrolment Committee by sending an Appeal Notice to the Chief Appeal Master. The Chief Appeal Master is to render decisions on appeals by January 30, 2017.
Canada and the Federation of Newfoundland Indians are committed to ensuring that all applicants for membership in the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation are treated fairly and equitably.
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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