Grand Chief Moses, Elders, and other distinguished guests.

It is a pleasure to join with my colleagues Minister Stewart and Minister Blondin Andrew, as well as the Member for Abitibi-Baie-James-Nunavik in welcoming you to this signing ceremony on Parliament Hill.

This new five-year agreement provides more tools to operate effective, responsive local programs, and it opens new avenues for economic development by helping to create a skilled and knowledgeable Aboriginal workforce.

This agreement is worth $54.5 million over the five years. But its value far exceeds this amount.

First of all, it honours commitments made in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. And honouring modern and historic treaties is one of the most important ways we can strengthen the relationship between the Government of Canada and Aboriginal peoples.

Just as important, today’s agreement will enhance the ability of the James Bay Cree to increase employment in their territory and to improve the quality of life in Cree communities.

Improving the quality of life for Aboriginal people is a key commitment from the Speech from the Throne. You may remember, her Excellency, the Governor General said:
"Nowhere is the creation and sharing of opportunity more important than for Aboriginal people. Too many continue to live in poverty, without the tools they need to build a better future for themselves or their communities. As a country, we must be direct about the magnitude of the challenge and ambitious in our commitment to tackle the most pressing problems facing Aboriginal people.

The strongest asset we have in meeting this challenge is the drive and the dedication of Aboriginal peoples themselves. Making best use of Aboriginal human resources will speed our progress towards this goal.

The Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy was created for this purpose. We recognize that working with Aboriginal leaders and community groups is the best way to address the labour market needs of Aboriginal peoples.

The Cree Regional Authority has shown that it can meet this challenge. You know the land. You know the people. And you understand how best to align your economic, social, and cultural priorities.

Your achievements to date bode well for the success of this new agreement. I have no doubt that even greater progress lies just ahead for the James Bay Cree. And with investments from the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy, I am confident that many other Aboriginal communities will share in similar progress.

Once again, congratulations on this agreement and best wishes with your future endeavours.

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