Question Period Note: Supreme Court of Canada Decision in Restoule and Whitesand

• The Government welcomes the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision, which provides clarity on the Treaty promise made in the Robinson Huron Treaty and Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850.
• We are ready to move forward with the Robinson Superior Treaty First Nations and the Government of Ontario to try to find the common ground for reaching a negotiated agreement for past losses on treaty annuities.
• This decision does not impact the final settlement agreement on past annuities concluded earlier this year between the 21 Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations, Ontario and Canada.

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If pressed on the Restoule out-of-court settlement
• Honouring the Treaty relationship and working in partnership with First Nations is key to advancing lasting reconciliation.
• Earlier this year, Canada, Ontario and 21 Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations have reached a final settlement to resolve claims related to past annuities raised in the Restoule litigation.
• This settlement – which includes $5 billion each from Canada and Ontario – pays an outstanding debt to the First Nations that dates back to 1850 and is a key step forward in delivering on an unfulfilled treaty promise.
If pressed on the distribution of settlement funds in the 21 Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations
• The settlement on past annuities creates new opportunities for the Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations to invest in a brighter future for their communities and grow the local economies in the Treaty territory.
• It is up to the First Nations and their members to determine how best to invest their settlement monies. Canada has no role in the distribution of the settlement funds among the First Nations or to individuals.