The following statement was issued today by Thomas G. Rideout, minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise in this house today to offer congratulations on behalf of the people of our province to the Labrador Inuit Association and their president, Mr. William Andersen III, on the successful Inuit ratification vote that took place yesterday. This vote on the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement was without a doubt the most important vote that has ever taken place for Labrador Inuit.

I bring to your attention the fact that three-quarters of eligible voters supported this agreement. This represents a definitive endorsement of this agreement and signifies that the vast majority of Labrador Inuit are ready to take the next step towards managing their own affairs.

This historic agreement is the result of almost 30 years of hard work by the Labrador Inuit Association. Labrador Inuit should be proud of the work that their negotiators have done on their behalf. Ratification of the agreement is a major step forward for Labrador Inuit as we move closer to the realization of the final agreement that will provide the Labrador Inuit with the necessary tools to shape their own future.

Now that Labrador Inuit have ratified the agreement, I will be bringing forward the agreement to Cabinet to seek the concurrence of my colleagues to sign it. My federal counterpart will have to do the same after the federal election. I also look forward to introducing ratification legislation in the house during the fall sitting. This agreement will come into effect once the House of Assembly and the Parliament of Canada have ratified it.

Finally, I would also like to thank the ratification committee, chaired by Carol Brice-Bennett, for all its hard work in the preparation of the Official Voters List and conduct of the overall vote. Without the work of this dedicated committee this vote would not have been possible.

2004 05 27                                        2:00 p.m.