March 23, 2007
KingstonThisWeek
Samantha Craggs
A federal bureaucrat-turned-consultant is working for surrounding communities in the Deseronto-area land claim negotiations.
Douglas Forbes, former associate regional director with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), is representing the interests of businesses and residents in Deseronto and Tyendinaga Township.
People in the area of the 925-acre Culbertson Tract have unique issues that need a voice, said Prince Edward-Hastings MP Daryl Kramp.
"There was concern that the balance of the community, whether it be the individuals in business or the Township of Tyendinaga, were represented," he said.
Forbes worked for INAC for more than 30 years, holding positions such as policy analyst and superintendent of education. He retired in 2004. Since then, he has worked as a private contractor, and has done work for the federal government. He is also a community liaison official for the Caldwell First Nations claim in southwestern Ontario.
"This is a very, very experienced individual," Kramp said. "He is a very senior person who has been in government for a number of years. He is very familiar with the issues."
The appointment is a good sign, Kramp said. The MP said the speed of the progress here sets Deseronto apart from Caledonia, a high-profile land dispute in southwestern Ontario in which protesters have inhabited the site of a proposed subdivision for more than a year. There is no dispute that this land claim is valid, Kramp added.
"We're much farther along the line and we're sitting in what I would consider to be an advantageous position," he said.
The MBQ have known Forbes for many years and he is "a very competent individual," said Chief R. Donald Maracle.
Canada is mandated to take care of third-party interests in negotiations, as specified in a treaty.
"We're happy to see the government fulfilling its part of the treaty," said Maracle.
The initial land claim by the MBQ for the tract, located in parts of Deseronto and Tyendinaga Township, was filed in 1995. It was accepted as a valid claim by INAC in 2003. Negotiations accelerated in October 2006 when a large housing development was announced for part of the land. Sean Kennedy, another former INAC employee, was appointed Jan. 9 to lead the negotiations.
Tyendinaga Township Reeve Margaret Walsh said she was pleased negotiations were progressing.
"The federal government is working on it and trying to get it settled," she said. "I think it will help keep things moving in a decent time frame."
A media release from INAC this week ensured residents that private property is not expropriated to settle claims.
"If land changes hands as a result of a land claim, it will only take place on a willing-buyer/willing-seller basis," the release said.