Message from Ontario's Chief Negotiator
Brian Crane
Welcome! I am pleased to offer you information about the Algonquin land claim negotiations and Ontario's approach to finding a settlement.
Active negotiations on this claim resumed in January 2006. The three parties are currently working toward the goal of achieving an Agreement-In-Principle. This means that all parties will be engaged in an intensive effort to find workable solutions to the many issues raised by this claim.
As Ontario's chief negotiator, I am aware that our negotiating team must be sensitive to and carefully consider the interests of the more than one million people living and working within the claim territory. Settlement of this land claim must be seen as a reasonable and workable deal, not only to the Algonquin people who demand a satisfactory resolution of their asserted Aboriginal rights, but also to the many residents, business owners and stakeholders who have real and legitimate interests in the region.
Our efforts to secure public input into the negotiations over the past number of years have proven to be very helpful. We have benefited from well-informed advice and input from many members of our advisory committees and from other members of the public. This input has helped to establish a solid and well-informed base from which to proceed into the negotiations and, as we do so, ensure that we are reflecting the interests and concerns of local residents and others with a long-term stake in the future of Eastern Ontario.
Over time, we intend to continue to consult with municipalities, businesses and residents of the claim area in the most efficient way possible. We invite all interested parties to contact the Ontario Information Centre in Pembroke or any of our negotiating team members.
I invite you to become involved in this process by being in touch with us or participating in the ongoing consultation initiatives of Ontario's negotiating team.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Brian Crane,
Ontario Chief Negotiator
Algonquin Land Claim
Phone: (613) 786-0107
