Minister Jim Prentice announces efforts to advance negotiations with Six Nations and bring peace and stability to the Caledonia area

    OTTAWA, March 29 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of
Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and
Non-Status Indians today announced federal efforts to advance negotiations
with <a href="http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/j-a2006/snjsbk_e.html">Haudenosaunee/Six Nations</a> and help bring peace and stability to the
Caledonia area.
    The twofold announcement includes $26.4 million toward Ontario's
extraordinary costs incurred as a result of the occupation near Caledonia. In
addition, Canada's New Government has expanded its negotiations mandate to
allow more flexibility in moving these historical claims forward. Minister
Prentice was joined by the <a href="http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/prs/m-a2006/2-02763_e.html">Honourable Barbara McDougall</a>, Federal
Representative in discussions with the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations.
    Recognizing that events in Caledonia have given rise to unique
circumstances and extraordinary costs for the Province of Ontario, the ex
gratia payment comprises $15.8 million toward Ontario's acquisition of the
Douglas Creek Estates properties and $10.6 million toward Ontario's
extraordinary policing costs.
    This new phase of discussions will refocus negotiations with the
Haudenosaunee/Six Nations and the Province to direct efforts on claims which
Canada can move forward to negotiate. The mandate expansion will include some
of the longest running claims in the country's history. The Government will at
the same time continue to work with all the parties to end the occupation on
the Douglas Creek Estates.
    "Canada's New Government is committed to providing the Province, under
these unique and extraordinary circumstances, with the financial support to
foster economic stability and promote public safety," stated Minister
Prentice. "We are also committed to finding common solutions through dialogue,
and believe that this new phase of discussions will help move negotiations
forward bringing these complex and long standing grievances closer to
resolution."
    "Our Federal Representative to these negotiations, the Honourable Barbara
McDougall, and federal negotiator, Ron Doering, have worked very hard to ease
tensions in the area and I have every confidence in their experience and
commitment," added Minister Prentice.
    Since discussions began in April 2006 with the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations
and the Province of Ontario, Canada has sought to identify innovative means to
address Haudenosaunee/Six Nations' long-standing issues. These intractable and
challenging issues stem from one of the oldest claims in Canada.
    "We have built a tremendous amount of trust and goodwill at the
negotiating table and this expanded mandate will allow us to deliver some
tangible results for both the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations community as well as
for the people in and around Caledonia," stated Ms McDougall. "We have an
historic opportunity to resolve some longstanding issues to the satisfaction
of all parties concerned."
    Discussions have included 23 main table and approximately 180 side table
meetings held to date and have helped to reduce tensions in the area.
    Like their neighbours, Six Nations will benefit from the stability to the
region achieved by this ex gratia payment. This new phase of negotiations will
bring all parties closer to resolution of these complex and long-standing
grievances. Canada is committed to resolving outstanding land claims to the
benefit of all Canadians.

    For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/nr/iss/iss2006_e.html">INAC's website</a>.

For further information:

For further information: Minister's Office, Deirdra McCracken, Press
Secretary, Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice, (819) 997-0002; Office of
the Honourable Barbara McDougall, Ian Sadinsky, (613) 232-7818, (cell)
613-614-6110; Media Relations, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, (819)
953-1160