MP Cheryl Gallant Welcomes Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl to the Ottawa Valley

January 11, 2010

Pembroke, Ontario… Cheryl Gallant, MP, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, was pleased to welcome the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Affairs Canada, to assist in officially opening a new consultation office for the Algonquins of Ontario.

“The opening of a consultation office demonstrates our commitment to resolve one of the many, outstanding issues left to us by the old government,” observed MP Gallant. “The uncertainty associated with the unresolved Algonquin land claim has been around forever. I am pleased that in the short time I have been the MP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, real progress is finally being made.”

“It is a testament to our reputation for understanding and reconciliation that our Conservative Government came to an agreement last August that allowed, by mutual consent, for the consultation office to be opened in Pembroke.”

In August of 2009 Canada, Ontario and the Algonquins signed two agreements that will provide a framework for the parties to move forward with negotiations. The first is a renewed Negotiations Framework Agreement that establishes processes to guide the three parties through negotiation of an Agreement-in-Principle. The second sets out how the governments of Canada and Ontario will consult the Algonquins on proposed activities or projects within the claim area while negotiations are ongoing. The signing of these agreements demonstrates Canada’s commitment to making progress on land claims.

The consultation office offers one-stop shop access for the Algonquins of Ontario to federal and provincial governments.  This will simplify the consultation process on proposed projects and activities within the claim area.  The opening of the office will also mean that development issues can be addressed away from the negotiation table and negotiators can focus their energies on the resolution of the claim.

“Some of the Mayors of our local Municipalities expressed to me their desire to see the land claim settled. The economic uncertainty is having a negative impact on developing such things as the airport, waterfront, as well as the future of forestry and mining in the area under consideration. I am committed to seeing the settlement of the land claim as a win-win situation for everyone, that will balance the interests of all concerned and bring economic benefits and certainty for the Algonquin people as well as the surrounding community,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.