NR-HQ-00-81E

DHALIWAL URGES RETURN TO BARGAINING TABLE: MACKENZIE AVAILABLE

August 16, 2000

Ottawa -- Chief Federal Representative James MacKenzie continues to be available to negotiate with the Burnt Church First Nation, the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal announced today.

"I have asked Mr. MacKenzie to return to the region. My priority, which I have repeated many times, is for negotiation and cooperation, and for a peaceful resolution of this situation," Mr. Dhaliwal said. "Mr. MacKenzie will be on hand, and he is more than willing to work with the Burnt Church First Nation – or any other community that has not yet reached an agreement – to find practical ways to increase their fishing opportunities."

Of the 34 First Nations affected by the Marshall decision, 29 have now signed agreements or reached agreement-in-principle with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Mr. Dhaliwal praised those communities for their cooperation with Mr. MacKenzie in the negotiation process.

"Aboriginal participation in commercial fisheries is greater this year than it was last year. This is largely due to the spirit of cooperation of the many Aboriginal communities who have reached agreements for this fishing season. They have shown a real, and admirable, commitment to a peaceful and prosperous fishery, to the benefit of all."