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NEW INDEPENDENT CLAIMS BODY ON THE HORIZON

OTTAWA (November 7, 2003) - The Specific Claims Resolution Act received Royal Assent today. This important piece of legislation will lead to the establishment of a new independent claims body, known as the Canadian Centre for the Independent Resolution of First Nations Specific Claims (the Centre). The Centre will help First Nations and Canada reach resolution on specific claims and bring greater transparency, efficiency and fairness to the current process.

"The Specific Claims Resolution Act is a key step toward a better process for addressing longstanding First Nation grievances," said Robert D. Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. "The new independent body envisioned in this legislation will oversee a streamlined process for resolving specific claims that reflects the preference of both Canada and First Nations to right the wrongs of the past through constructive and co-operative negotiations. Under a revitalized process, the economic benefits that negotiated settlements bring to both First Nation communities and local economies can be more quickly realized, so we can focus our energies on building a brighter and more prosperous future for First Nation people."

The Centre will have two divisions: a Commission to facilitate negotiations and a Tribunal to resolve disputes. The Commission will also take over funding for First Nation participation in the process - currently a responsibility of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). All specific claims, regardless of value, will have access to the Commission and use of its services. Should negotiations fail, the Tribunal will be able to make binding decisions for the majority of claims regarding the validity and compensation up to its monetary jurisdictional limit.

This Centre will replace the current Indian Specific Claims Commission (ISCC) which was set up in 1991 as an interim measure to make non-binding recommendations to Canada on rejected claims. While all parties are eager to have the new system operating as soon as possible, the new Centre will not be established overnight.

The specific claims process was first established in 1973 as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism to allow First Nations to have their claims appropriately addressed by the government without having to go to court. Canada is committed to honouring its outstanding lawful obligations to First Nations by negotiating agreements that resolve longstanding claims to the benefit of all Canadians.

For more information, please contact:

Diane Laursen
INAC Media Relations
(819) 994-2044

Backgrounder - Canadian Centre for the Independent Resolution of First Nations Specific Claims

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