Proposed Agreement-in-Principle

On June 12, 2015, the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) and the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced that their Negotiators had initialed a proposed Agreement-in-Principle (AIP). This is a key step toward a Final Agreement that will clarify the rights of all concerned and open up new economic development opportunities for the benefit of the Algonquins of Ontario and their neighbours in the Settlement Area in eastern Ontario.

Robert J. Potts, Principal Negotiator and Senior Legal Counsel for the AOO stated that, “the initialing of the proposed AIP is a positive achievement in our treaty negotiations with Canada and Ontario. This commitment by Canada and Ontario means that, together, we can renew our efforts towards the rebuilding of the Algonquin Nation and move forward on this historic journey of reconciliation. Our next stage is one of decision-making regarding the ratification process, which is now in the hands of the Algonquins of Ontario.”

On March 17, 2016 the AOO announced the results of the ratification vote on their proposed AIP with the Governments of Ontario and Canada. The tripartite ratification vote was conducted by an independent Ratification Committee with members appointed by the AOO, Ontario and Canada.

A total of 3,575 ballots were cast, out of 7,540 eligible Algonquin Voters – a participation rate of 47 percent. Of those ballots cast, 3,341, or over 90 per cent voted in favour of the AIP and the continuation of negotiations towards the terms of a Final Agreement based on the AIP.

Robert Potts, Principal Negotiator and Senior Legal Counsel for the Algonquins of Ontario stated, “The tripartite ratification vote was positive with Algonquin Voters supporting the AIP by a strong margin, and unanimously in one community.”

The Chief and Council of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation initiated a separate, parallel referendum on the proposed AIP to ensure that the opportunity to vote was provided to a significant percentage of the adult membership of Pikwakanagan who did not enrol under the process set out in the proposed Agreement-in-Principle.

The results of the Pikwakanagan referendum indicate that further time will be required to clarify and resolve certain issues – including future self government proposals. Chief Whiteduck stated, “Our members who voted in the referendum and tripartite ratification vote are currently divided on the proposed AIP and some do not have the level of comfort to move forward at this moment. As a result, our Council requires further discussions and consultations with Canada and Ontario to clarify certain issues, to address the concerns of our members and to bridge the divisions in our community.

Clifford Bastien Jr., the Algonquin Negotiation Representative for the Mattawa/North Bay Algonquin Community, added, “The AOO are pleased with the result of the ratification vote. However, we also know that the issues raised within Pikwakanagan do not apply to the other Algonquin communities who, in aggregate, voted in favour of the AIP. Consequently, we are all supportive of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation as they take the necessary steps to pursue discussions with Ontario and Canada to determine how best to move forward towards a long-delayed Treaty.”

Mr. Potts concluded, “while we still face significant challenges in this historic endeavour, we extend our sincerest appreciation to all Algonquin Voters who exercised their right to vote. This unique non-binding process undertaken by the AOO has achieved exactly what was intended – that is, to take the temperature of the various Algonquin communities and to determine the issues that now must be addressed.”

To learn more, please refer to the below documents.

summaryThe Executive Summary

The Executive Summary provides highlights of the key elements of the proposed AIP. It includes summaries of each Chapter contained within the proposed AIP.

ENGLISH                         FRANÇAIS

Proposed Agreement-in-Principle

The Proposed Agreement-in-Principle

The Negotiators for the Algonquins of Ontario, Ontario and Canada have initialed a proposed Agreement-in-Principle. Should it be ratified by Algonquin Voters and approved by Ontario and Canada, the Agreement-in-Principle – a non-binding document – would provide a foundation for the negotiation of a Final Agreement.

ENGLISH                           FRANÇAIS

INTERACTIVE MAP

Proposed AIP Interactive MapAn interactive web-based map has been developed to provide a single access point for users to easily explore and navigate through the proposed AIP’s various Reference Maps and Descriptive Plans. Wherever additional information about the Settlement Area or specific parcels was readily available, it has also been integrated into this interactive map.

To access the map, click here.

APPENDICES AND REFERENCE MAPS

Proposed Settlement Lands

Algonquin Interests in Crown Lands

Results of the Algonquins of Ontario Ratification Vote on the proposed Agreement-in-Principle

Algonquins of Ontario announce the results of the ratification vote on their proposed Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) with the Governments of Ontario and Canada.

Results of the Ratification Vote – March 10, 2016

Proposed Agreement-in-Principle among the Algonquins of Ontario and the Governments of Ontario and Canada Results of the Ratification Vote – March 10, 2016.

Form 9: Certification of Vote Results by Ratification Vote Manager

The Ratification Vote Manager for the proposed Agreement-in-Principle among the Algonquins of Ontario and the Governments of Ontario and Canada declares after counting all of the Ballots placed in all of the ballot boxes the results of the vote.