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For Immediate Release
October 31, 2006

News Release

Statement from Minister David Ramsay Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs

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Toronto, Ontario – Ontario families – particularly those in the Caledonia area – find themselves caught in a dispute between the federal government and Six Nations.

Ontario taxpayers have paid, and continue to pay, a hefty price for the ongoing occupation in Caledonia.

The Ontario government has been working hard to bring all parties together at the negotiating table. We have achieved some progress, but not nearly enough.

Over the past 26 years, 29 land claims have been filed by Six Nations in that area of Canada. Only one has been settled by the federal government.

That pace is too slow.

The federal government must take the lead and bring vigour to the negotiating table and a will to resolve these outstanding disputes.

I am disappointed that Minister Prentice chose not to attend a scheduled meeting tonight with me to discuss the situation in Caledonia.

This is another example of the federal government failing to live up to its obligations to the people of Ontario.

We are determined to work toward a peaceful resolution to the Caledonia situation and look forward to working with the federal government as it assumes its rightful role in resolving this dispute.

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Anne-Marie Flanagan
Minister Ramsay’s Office
416-268-3690