Saturday, July 14, 2007

Diane Finley: Haldimand a Priority

Simcoe, ON – Minister Diane Finley, M.P. Haldimand-Norfolk and Minister for Citizenship and Immigration Canada issued the following statement in response to the July 8th Press Conference held by Mayor Trainer and council of Haldimand County.

“I have heard the frustration from the town of Caledonia . As MP for the people of Haldimand - Norfolk I will certainly continue to meet with the county, as I’ve done in the past, to hear their concerns and present them in Ottawa.

The federal government has tabled an offer to Six Nations, worth $125 million and I continue to work with my cabinet colleagues including Minister Prentice, Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs to find a solution that works for all sides including the people of Caledonia .

Canada’s New Government is taking action to address specific claims like those in Caledonia by introducing a comprehensive package of reforms that proposes to revolutionize the claims resolution process in four ways:

o The creation of a fully independent Claims Tribunal through which impartial judges will resolve those claims where negotiations have met with failure;

o Setting aside 250 million dollars on an annual basis for the next ten years to be used to settle these claims and ensure financial accountability;

o Transform the Indian Specific Claims Commission into a neutral dispute resolution body relieved of its role as the government’s arbiter of claims, the Commission will be able to focus its efforts solely on mediation; and

o Develop practical measures to clear the backlog of relatively small claims and to increase the flexibility in handling of larger claims.

As MP for Haldimand Norfolk I am committed to helping find a safe and reasonable solution for Haldimand County , as soon as possible”.

For further information, media may contact:Tim VailPress SecretaryOffice of the Hon. Diane Finley, P.C, M.P.613-954-1064

Courtesy of www.CaledoniaWakeupCall.com

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