News Release

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TORONTO – Ontario has appointed Jane Stewart, a former federal minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and a prominent long-time resident of the Brantford area, as its special representative to the Caledonia discussions.

"I am pleased that someone with Ms. Stewart's experience and knowledge of Six Nations in particular and Aboriginal issues in general, has accepted this challenging position," said David Ramsay, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "It is key that this situation be resolved and that the communities be returned to normal conditions."

Ms. Stewart will be responsible for working with the Six Nations representatives, Canada and local parties, such as Haldimand County to look at ways of mitigating the longer-term issues that have led to the situation in Caledonia. This delivers on the three-party agreement signed by representatives of Haudenosaunee/Six Nations, Canada and Ontario on April 21, 2006.

Ontario's special representative will report to the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs.

"Ontario is committed to finding a peaceful resolution to this very complex situation," said Ramsay. "I want to assure the local communities of Six Nations and Caledonia that Ontario considers this situation a priority and is using some of its most innovative people to resolve both the short-term and long-term issues being raised around the Caledonia impasse."

Ontario is also benefiting from the seasoned negotiating skills of former Ontario Premier David Peterson to help resolve the immediate concerns of road access in the Douglas Creek Estates and Caledonia area.

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Contacts:

Ginette Albert
Minister Ramsay's Office
416-314-2212

Public Enquiries:
Toll free number - 1-866-876-7672 or TTY: 1-800-387-5559

Disponible en français

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Background Information: THE HONOURABLE JANE STEWART, P.C., B.SC. (HONOURS)

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