July 26, 1999
(Executive Council)

Premier congratulates LIA on overwhelming vote in favour of land claims Agreement in Principle

Premier Brian Tobin extended his congratulations tonight to Labrador Inuit Association President William Barbour and the LIA negotiating team on the overwhelming vote of confidence expressed in today's ratification vote in favour of a land claims Agreement in Principle.

The premier also acknowledged the significant role Torngat Mountains MHA Wally Andersen played in responding to questions and providing information on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador during the period leading up to the ratification vote.

"The vote was an exercise in self-government. The people have chosen to accept this agreement for the betterment of their own futures," said Premier Tobin.

"The high voter turn-out and the large majority who voted in favour of the Agreement in Principle were an unprecedented affirmation of an agreement reached in good faith between both levels of government and the LIA."

Representatives of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada, and the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) initialled the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement in Principle on May 10.

"Ratification of the Agreement in Principle by the Labrador Inuit is the most significant step to date in reaching a final agreement on land claims and self-government," said the premier.

The ratification vote follows an extensive 75-day review by the LIA with its membership. The LIA held community meetings and information sessions to discuss details of the AIP, including land quantum, resource revenue sharing and self-government.

"I believe the Agreement in Principle ratified today provides the basis for a final agreement that is as good as or better than any other land claims settlement agreement in Canada," said Premier Tobin. "It is a fair and equitable agreement, and should go a long way to providing the Labrador Inuit with opportunities for economic development and control over the programs and services provided to their people."

The next step in the process is land selection, which is scheduled to begin this fall. The AIP must then be ratified by the provincial and federal cabinets. Once ratified, the Agreement in Principle becomes the basis for negotiation of a final agreement.

"This agreement is the foundation upon which all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will build future certainty, stability and prosperity," said the premier.

Media Contact: Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3564.

1999 07 26                                11:05 p.m.