Tentative agreement reached with Labrador M�tis Nation on forest development

Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Wally Andersen today announced that a tentative agreement has been reached that would facilitate the Labrador M�tis Nation�s (LMN) involvement in Labrador�s forest management process.

"Government has been working with the Labrador M�tis Nation for several weeks in an effort to work out an agreement," said Minister Andersen. "We have now reached the stage where we can put forward a tentative agreement that will run until 2006, allowing the Labrador M�tis Nation to have direct input into the management process of Labrador�s forests.

"I would like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by Yvonne Jones in bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion," said Minister Andersen. "Minister Jones has worked diligently to bring the parties together and help find common ground.

"This agreement will draw upon the experience of the LMN members and scientific-based knowledge as we move forward in developing Labrador�s forest industry for the benefit of all residents of Labrador. Government continues to enjoy a very good relationship with the Labrador M�tis Nation, and we are confident that we will continue to work co-operatively to address the economic and social concerns of LMN members."

Media contact: Bert Pomeroy, Communications, (709) 896-8668

2003 10 17                                        2:35 p.m.