Aboriginal Land Claim Settlements
What kinds of compensation are used in Aboriginal land claim settlements?
Ontario uses a combination of financial compensation, land and, when appropriate, other considerations such as economic development initiatives to conclude land claim settlements. Ontario strives to ensure that settlements are cost and time effective to negotiate and implement, and fall within the government's overall approach to public sector financial management. Negotiated settlements should result in more constructive and enduring solutions than other alternatives such as litigation.
The province looks to land claim settlements to encourage self-reliance of Aboriginal communities through economic and community development. Land claim settlements provide Aboriginal communities with opportunities for economic development and help foster a stable climate for local business and other interests.
How do settlements bring closure to the issues?
Ontario strives to reach settlements that achieve certainty and finality with respect to the issues under negotiation. Ontario seeks the appropriate legal assurances (releases and indemnities) from the Aboriginal claimant, and, where required, the federal government. The goal is to resolve the issues under negotiation, bring closure to the process and create as much legal certainty as possible.
How does Ontario benefit by settling Aboriginal land claims?
In achieving land claim settlements, Ontario is able to address Aboriginal grievances and meet its legal obligations. Settling land claims results in several practical benefits. Settlements can clarify access to and use of Crown land, including hunting, fishing and other recreational activities. They can lift barriers to development of natural resources by creating greater certainty of title to land and to ownership of natural resources. Finally, settlements can create opportunities for economic growth for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and foster better relations between them.
contact:
Director
Negotiations Branch
Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs
Phone: 416-326-4740
Fax: 416-326-0542
