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Chevrette Asks Nault to Intervene Personally

Rapid Lake, Quebec - The Algonquins of Barriere Lake are welcoming support from Quebec's Minister of Indian Affairs in trying to end a stand-off with the Federal government. Minister Guy Chevrette has announced that he "deplores" the fact that the Federal government will not join Quebec and the Algonquins in completing an integrated resource management plan (IRMP).

"By talking, and not ignoring, we would be able to have a better understanding," said Minister Chevrette on October 12th. They (the Algonquins) asked to meet with them and I agreed. I listened and I believe we could come to some kind of agreement."

In a letter he sent on October 18 to his federal counterpart, Robert Nault the Indian Affairs Minister, Minister Chevrette underlines the active role his colleague could play :« I am asking you to personally intervene in order to reestablish federal participation in this undertaking. I have no doubt that you will understand the importance of acting quickly on this matter. » (translation)

Chevrette's public support comes as the stand-off with the Federal government drags on into its third month. If the situation isn't resolved soon lay-offs in logging communities of Grand Remous, Mont Laurier and Val d'Or are looming.

In recognition of the crisis facing logging operators, the Algonquins of Barriere Lake have called for a special meeting with logging companies.

Grand Chief Carol McBride explains; "The people of Barriere Lake worked hard over this last decade to bridge the gap with logging interests on our territory. We feel that we've made a great deal of progress in this regard. It's important to keep the lines of communication open to prevent this crisis from getting any worse." The Federal government walked away from the final stages of the Trilateral Agreement in July, saying the process had taken too long and there was little to show for it. The Federal decision came just as the Algonquins were preparing to submit the first of a series of land management plans for the Trilateral territory. Grand Chief Carol McBride says the Feds need to be at the table so the process can be brought to a close. "Ottawa cannot sit on the sidelines," says Grand Chief McBride. "Quebec is at the table. The Algonquins are at the table. The logging companies are looking for resolution. All that is missing is the goodwill and resolution from Ottawa to sit down and finish this process." Grand Chief McBride says the Algonquins are committed to bringing the Feds into discussions over land management, resource revenue sharing and improving the housing stock at the over-crowded reserve.

TRANSLATION

Government of Quebec

Minister of Transportation
Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
Minister responsible for Wildlife and Parks

Quebec, October 18, 2001

Mr. Robert Nault
Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs
10 Wellington
Ottawa, Ontario K0A 0H4

Dear Colleague:

        I am very concerned with the the situation which currently prevails in the Algonquin community of Barriere Lake where we are still at an impasse regarding the conclusion of the integrated resource management plan, the wildlife management plan and the harmonization measures to develop natural resources in the territory, while respecting the Algonquins' concerns.

        As much as I share your point of view that the 16-month timetable proposed by Barriere Lake is too long, I believe that the human and financial effort invested has been too great for this work to be abandoned when we are so close to the goal. The technical work has already been suspended for several weeks. With no confirmation of government participation, there is no longer any cooperation between the Algonquins of Barriere Lake and the forestry, wildlife and government representatives, a situation that could eventually jeopardize the forestry operations in the area.

        I believe that through dialogue and negotiation a compromise can be reached which is acceptable to both parties. Over the past few weeks, the Quebec government has held intensive discussions with Barriere Lake to agree on an plan and a timetable which would allow us to resume and finish the work in the shortest time possible. I do regret, however, that our third partner, the federal government, was absent from these discussions. It seems to me that our respective governments, just as the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, all have interest to bring this unique partnership and collaborative effort, started ten years ago, to a successful conclusion.

        The government of Quebec is committed to continue participating in completing this work. So, in addition to allocating human resources, we remain prepared to ensure, as in the past, a portion of the financing, as long as the federal government will provide the Algonquins of Barriere Lake with the resources they need to meet their part of the budget.

        We have invested too much to stop this planning work only a few months before it is finalized. I am therefore asking you to personally intervene in order to reestablish federal participation in this undertaking. I have no doubt that you will understand the importance of acting quickly on this matter.

Sincerely,

(Original signed by M. Guy Chevrette)