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TALKS WITH FIRST NATION GROUPS IN NEWFOUNDLAND TAKE IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (November 23, 2005) - The Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today that Kevin Stamp Q.C. has been appointed the new Chief Federal Negotiator in talks involving the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI).

“I am very pleased that Mr. Stamp has accepted this position,” said Minister Scott. “The Government of Canada welcomes this opportunity to take an important step forward in improving its relations with First Nation people of Newfoundland and Labrador. With Mr. Stamp’s commitment to the negotiation process, I am confident all parties will come to a conclusion that is mutually beneficial.”

In April 2002, the Government of Canada appointed a Special Representative, the Honourable Marc Lalonde to undertake exploratory discussions with the FNI and the Province. The purpose of these talks was to determine if a framework for negotiations could be established. As a result of these discussions Mr. Lalonde recommended that the next step would be negotiation of an Agreement-in-Principle.

Mr. Stamp will represent the federal government in negotiations of an Agreement-in-Principle with the FNI for the purpose of creating a landless Band for the eligible Mi’kmaq population of the province. Successful negotiations will lead to the establishment of a Band and the registration of its members who will then be able to access to certain federal programs and services and help improve the quality of life and economic prospects for its members.

Mr. Stamp was born in St. John’s and has resided there for most of his life. He is a senior partner in the law firm of Martin, Whalen, Hennebury and Stamp and has practised law in St. John’s for over 25 years.

For more information, please contact:
INAC Media Relations
(819) 953-1160

Biographical Note - Kevin Stamp

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