Ottawa, Ontario - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today introduced the Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement Act in the House of Commons. This legislation would bring into effect the Eeyou Marine Region Land Claims Agreement signed on July 7, 2010 by the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and the Grand Council of the Crees.

“The introduction of this legislation demonstrates the important work that can be done when partners work together toward a common goal,” stated Minister Duncan. “I want to thank and congratulate all the people who worked so hard to help make this a reality, especially Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come and his team.”

“This Agreement is important to the Cree People because it secures recognition for the occupancy, use and ownership of islands in the offshore that they have used since time immemorial. Equally important are the administrative regimes created under the Agreement and related rights that give the Crees a large role in deciding future developments and in managing the area. I commend the Ministers who led the negotiations process and their teams,” said Matthew Coon Come, Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees.

Canada formally accepted this land claim for negotiation in 2003 and negotiations began. In 2009, a Final Agreement was reached by the parties. In March 2010, a ratification vote was held by the Crees and an overwhelming 70.5 per cent of all eligible Cree voters endorsed the Agreement.

The Agreement covers an area of approximately 61,270 square kilometres off the Quebec shore in James Bay and south-eastern Hudson Bay. The islands in this area represent approximately 1,650 square kilometres of land mass, of which almost 1,050 square kilometres will be owned exclusively by the Crees. Ownership will include rights to the land and subsurface resources. Islands in the southern Hudson Bay, which cover an area of nearly 400 square kilometres, will be jointly owned with the Nunavik Inuit.

The Agreement will also provide the Crees with the opportunity to create jobs and wealth. For example, through the land, resources and financial benefits they receive from the Agreement, the Crees will be in a better position to undertake new business ventures and partnerships. As new economic development initiatives get underway, jobs and other opportunities may be created from which the Crees and local residents in the region will benefit.

The Government of Canada will provide the Crees a capital transfer of approximately $67.5 million to be paid over a period of 10 years. A one-time implementation payment of approximately $5.7 million will also be provided to the Crees upon the coming into force of the Agreement.

Royal Assent of the proposed legislation by Parliament would be the final stage of ratification. The date of coming into force of the Agreement would then be determined by Government in consultation with the Crees.

With this passing of this legislation, the Agreement will provide for clarity and certainty over rights to ownership and the use of lands and resources that will foster a stable environment for future development and investment.