January 31, 2000
(Justice)

Province granted standing in Quebec Inuit lawsuit against federal government

Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons today announced that the province has been granted standing in the Nunavik Inuit (Quebec Inuit represented by the Makivik Corporation) lawsuit against the federal government in Federal Court.

The Quebec Inuit are seeking an Order prohibiting Canada from ratifying the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) land claims and self-government agreement in principle and concluding a treaty, until resolution of overlapping claims; and, an Order requiring Canada to combine its Quebec Inuit treaty negotiations with the LIA treaty negotiations.

"While the Quebec Inuit action is directed against the federal government it is advisable for the province to present its position regarding those claims accepted for negotiation, namely with the LIA and the Innu Nation, and those refused," said Minister Parsons.

In 1994, the province advised the Quebec Inuit that their documentation was insufficient to justify the province entering into negotiations. At the same time, the province indicated to the Quebec Inuit that it was prepared to review any new information it wished to provide. To date, no new information has been provided.

"The province is prepared to continue negotiations toward the resolution of a land claim and self-government agreement with the LIA," said the minister. "The province intends to negotiate in good faith with those groups with whom we have accepted land claims, namely the LIA and Labrador Innu."

Media contact: Lynn Barter, Communications, (709) 729-0084.

2000 01 31                                                 2:30 p.m.