The following exchange took place in the House of Commons on Thursday, May 6 1999. In it, the Minister of Indian Affairs acknowledges all the letters she is receiving from Lubicon supporters like yourselves. Keep it coming!
One correction to the Minister's comments. The Province is not currently at the negotiating table and has not yet been invited to join talks.
Friends of the Lubicon
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ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS
Mr. John Finlay (Oxford, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Could the minister update the House on the status of the Lubicon land claim in Alberta?
Hon. Jane Stewart (Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, the claim of the Lubicon Cree of northern Alberta is a priority for me as minister of Indian affairs.
I recognize that I have received countless letters from Canadians encouraging this resolution and thank so many members of parliament who have written to me in this regard as well.
I can tell the House that there is an active table of negotiations under way as we speak between Canada and the first nation. The province is there. There is good momentum and I am hopeful that we will be able to resolve this long outstanding claim in a very positive fashion.
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