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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 28, 2005: In respect of their commitment to keep the Region of Abitibi-Temiscamingue informed, The Algonquin Coalition between The Lac Simon First Nation and The Long Point First Nation issue this statement as an update associated to the their relationship building talks with Quebec. We are becoming quite concerned and frustrated with the pace in which these talks are progressing. Especially considering that while continue to progress slowly, forestry operation’s are running full speed and on schedule. It is not reasonable to expect us to have a constructive negotiation, or to have high hope for success, if all of the urgency is placed upon us because our “beds are burning” while the process continues to drag on. Judge Paul recognized the impractical nature of this when he recommended that an agreement be negotiated in a short delay of seven to ten days once forestry operations recommenced. It has been sixty-six days since Quebec and Domtar forced their forestry operations to recommence in the face of our pleas for reason. At the time Quebec was broadcasting that they were ready to create an agreement with us in a very short delay and all that they required was for forestry operations to recommence first. On December 20, 2004 the respective negotiator’s of each party submitted a proposed process agreement to each party with their recommendation for acceptance. At this time the Algonquin Coalition committed to have the proposal reviewed by its membership respectively, and that it would target January 14, 2005 as a date for ratifying and signing what its members would accept. On January 13, 2005 The Algonquin Coalition sent Quebec a signed version of the agreement with a few minor adjustments which did not change the context already agreed to in principle. To our disappointment, instead of signing and moving the process forward, Quebec decided to have the agreement re-written by their legal department and sent us another draft with actual changes to the context of the agreement. As this continues, Quebec is issuing permits and running forestry operations against our wishes to do so. This is creating a great deal of concern with our people and it is not reasonable to expect a relationship to be built while we are the only ones under duress. We are loosing confidence that our issues will be dealt with constructively and that we will have a relationship agreement anytime soon. Though we are pleased that Quebec has appointed a professional negotiator, we are under the impression that the file is still being managed at the level of the functionaires. We have long identified that this is a file which needs to be managed through the offices of the Premiere and the Ministers if it is to have the best chance for success, as aboriginal affairs are complicated and required senior government management which is outside the mandate of the functionaires. As such, and considering that we have not been witness to any attempt by Quebec or Domtar to work with us in managing the forestry operations in a manner respective of the fact that we still have not established a relationship agreement yet, we must be proactive and take steps to manage the problem ourselves. Until there is an interim agreement agreed to between us as Judge Paul recommended, we will be initiating the following Actions:
Our intention is to not simply sit blindly while we continue to accept Quebec’s promises while hoping for success some time in the future. We will continue to work hard with Quebec as we have up to now in trying to find a solution. However, it would be irresponsible if we didn’t prepare for the possibility of not finding success in the near future and what that would bring.
Like all of the people of the Region, we must live with the results of the Party in power long after they are gone. That is why it is very important that this not only be done, but done right. We encourage everyone in the Region to call their local Ministers and Deputies to let them know that anything leading to more confrontation is unacceptable and that you not only expect results, but constructive and viable results. - 30 - Source: Mr. Jean Cotten, Chief of Communications 819-949-2298/819-722-2441 819-722-2579 FAX www.forevergreen.ca/news.htm
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