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Overview: About the Negotiations

Ontario's goal is to resolve the outstanding issues involved in the Algonquin land claim in order to achieve a lasting and reasonable settlement. To do that, we need to be sure the negotiated agreement includes everyone whose potential rights will be affected by the settlement.

To date, the negotiators for Canada, Ontario and the Algonquins have established a number of common understandings on some basic principles, including:

• The rights of private property owners will not be affected by the negotiations.
• Private land will not be seized and access to private property will be assured.
• Privately-owned land that might form part of the settlement package will only be transferred to the Algonquins on a willing-seller, willing-buyer basis.

Ontario is attempting to find mutually acceptable solutions to the issues at hand. For example, we anticipate that economic development opportunities will play an important part in the settlement package and the benefits will spin off and contribute to the health and prosperity of the broader community.

We all recognize that the settlement of this land claim is important for the future of Eastern Ontario, a future which must be based on co-operation and good working relationships between the Algonquins and other residents of Ontario.