W. Brice McVicar
Belleville Intelligencer
Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 10:00
Canada's indian affairs minister has appointed an independent consultant to act as negotiator to help settle a land dispute between local Mohawks and a developer.
Minister Jim Prentice named Sean Kennedy, who has extensive experience in negotiations involving First Nations, as chief federal negoiator late Tuesday.
"This appointment demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to making progress on this complex land claim and to finding common solutions through dialogue," said Prentice.
The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte allege about 827 acres of land "was improperly alienated from the First Nation in 1837," according to the ministry's release. The Government of Canada accepted the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte's claim under Canada's Specific Claims Policy in November 2003, the release said.
"Mr. Kennedy's work will be informed by a recent fact-finding exercise,
which sought the views of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and local community interests," said the release. "The Government of Canada is committed to honouring its lawful obligations to First Nations by resolving outstanding grievances to the benefit of all Canadians. Private property is not expropriated to settle claims. Negotiated settlements bring economic benefits to First Nations and local economies."
Prince Edward-Hastings MP Daryl Kramp said the appointment of a negotiator should assist in the conclusion of the debate.
"It's going to bring validity to the process," he said. "This will add some real clarity to the issue."
Kramp said one of the problems that has plagued the issue is people talking around the matter without addressing it head-on. When these things happen, he said, people begin to put their own spin on the issue.
"This will establish the legal process that is to proceed and that legal process will take into account all of the activities from all of the affected parties," he said.
Kennedy will have to do extensive research, but knowing a legal and official procedure is underway should discourage any groups from taking further action, he said. Kennedy's appointment should be an assurance that the government is committed to assisting with the issue, Kramp said.
"The fact is, we have representation from the government saying 'Enough is enough, let's deal with this.'"
(With files from Luke Hendry)