Notes for an address

by The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
on behalf of
the Honourable Jim Prentice, PC, QC, MP Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians

to the
Agreement Concerning a New Relationship between the Government of Canada and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee

Montreal
July 16, 2007

Check against delivery

 

Dear Friends,

Open federalism is about better relations with First Nations.  This is what we are celebrating today.

I am pleased to be joined today by Grand Chief Matthew Mukash  and all nine chiefs of the Cree communities of James Bay.

We are here today to tell you that the negotiators for the Government of Canada and the Grand Council of the Crees have reached an Agreement on a new relationship.

The Agreement we have reached aims to put an end to years of controversy and litigation over federal obligations under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA).

Today’s agreement, entitled an Agreement Concerning a New Relationship between the Government of Canada and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee, includes a proposed financial package of $1.4 billion.

The Agreement seeks to clarify and facilitate the implementation of Canada’s obligations under the JBNQA.

Originally signed in 1975, the JBNQA was Canada’s first modern treaty. It intended to fulfill a commitment to deal with land and other issues dating back to the late 1800s. However, Canada and the Cree of Eeyou Istchee held different views on how to best implement the JBNQA.

After years of litigation, through an out-of-court process begun in 2004, today’s proposed agreement clearly shows what can be achieved when there is a mutual commitment to settling issues through respectful and co-operative dialogue.

The Agreement addresses issues covering a 50 year timeframe. The agreement will resolve disputes related to the implementation of the JBNQA over the last 30 years, and also secure mutual agreement between Canada and the Cree on obligations for the next 20 years (beginning when the new Agreement comes into force).

Both parties must first ratify the Agreement before it can be implemented. The ratification process will include a referendum in all Cree communities over the next few months.

Following ratification by both parties, this proposed Agreement would close a chapter on the disputes of the past and turn the page to a new, revitalized and mutually respectful future.

I strongly believe this new beginning will renew the relationship between Canada’s New Government and The Grand Council of the Cree, and will also strengthen and enhance the Cree regional governance structure.

Under the proposed Agreement, the Cree of Quebec would assume new responsibilities primarily in the areas of Administration of Justice, and Economic and Social Development.

Ratification will allow us to enter into the second phase of negotiations with the Cree to address the modernization of their governance regime.

This new relationship will provide a context of mutual rights and responsibilities that will ensure benefits for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

Through partnership, and through meaningful discussions, I believe strongly that together we have found solutions that can provide clarity and economic opportunity for the Cree of Eeyou Istchee and certainty for all Canadians.

Thank you.