2-02758

MICHAEL COYLE APPOINTED TO UNDERTAKE A FACT-FINDING INITIATIVE IN RELATION TO THE SITUATION IN CALEDONIA

Ottawa, Ontario, March 24, 2006 - The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has appointed Professor Michael Coyle to undertake a fact-finding initiative related to the ongoing situation involving members of the Six Nations of the Grand River near Caledonia, Ontario. The initiative represents the Department's efforts to better understand the issues and to promote a peaceful resolution of the situation.

Professor Coyle, an experienced mediator with a background in dealing with First Nation issues, has been mandated to:

• investigate the nature of the grievances;
  
• identify the jurisdictional implications; and,
  
• explore the possibility for mediation.

At the same time, the Government of Canada will continue to work with the elected Council of the Six Nations and the Province of Ontario to address these claims. Legal counsel for Six Nations, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario meet regularly in resolution discussions, a process that has been in place since 2004. Progress is being made. As of March 15, 2006, for example, agreement had been reached on a factual narrative of the Port Maitland and Jarvis elements of the claim and all three parties have agreed to proceed with exploratory resolution discussions on these elements. The resolution discussions will continue independently of this fact-finding initiative.

A biographical note is attached. If more information is required with respect to the positions of the Six Nations, the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, the Statement of Claim and the Statements of Defence are filed with the court and publicly available.

For further information, contact:

Minister's Office
Diane Laursen
Communications Assistant
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
(819) 997-0002

Media Relations Unit
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
(819) 953-1160

Backgrounder - Biographical Note on Michael Coyle