Letter from Jean Chrétien sent to Friends of the Lubicon - May 27, 1993

HOUSE OF COMMONS
CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES
CANADA
Leader of the Opposition
Chef de l'Opposition

Ottawa, Ontario KlA OA6

May 27 1993

Dear Group Members:

Thank you for your letter regarding the final report of the Lubicon Settlement Commission of Review.

The Liberal Party understands your concern. For more than fifty years, the Lubicon have struggled to secure a permanent land base - and the means to preserve their way of life. Unfortunately, negotiations between the Lubicon and the federal government have been suspended since 1989. We believe that the government has reneged on its fiduciary responsibility to the Lubicon People.

Time is wasting. Innumerable studies and reports have been prepared over past years, and they have only served to slow progress in the negotiations for a land and resource base. It is time for action. As a start, we believe the government should proceed with recommendation number five of the Settlement Commission report to hold all royalties in trust and withhold leases and permits on traditional Lubicon lands -unless approved by the Lubicon. Moreover, future negotiations should reflect the intent of recommendation number eight, asserting that the extinguishment of Aboriginal rights must not be a condition for a settlement -a position consistent with Liberal policy.

Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Liberal Critic for Aboriginal Affairs, has urged the government to renew negotiations with the Lubicon and resolve this issue, once and for all. While it is doubtful whether the current government possesses the will to do so, you can be assured that Liberals will continue to press the Conservatives to respond to the recommendations of the Settlement Commission and resume negotiations.

We support the swift resolution of all claims and consider the Lubicon claim to be a priority. As Leader of the opposition, I appreciate the time you have taken to write and bring your views to, my attention

Sincerely,

Jean Chrétien

Group Members Friends of the Lubicon (Toronto)
485 Ridelle Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M6B 1K6