Question Period Note: Restoule and Whitesand litigation

•Honouring the Treaty relationship and working in partnership with First Nations is key to advancing lasting reconciliation.

•Canada, Ontario and 21 Robinson Huron Treaty First Nations have made great progress towards resolving litigation relating to an outstanding treaty promise to increase treaty annuities over time.

•Negotiators for the parties have recently reached a proposed settlement to resolve claims related to past annuities, and the parties are looking to finalize the settlement later this year.

N/A

If pressed on the Whitesand litigation and discussions with the Robinson-Superior First Nations

• The Whitesand litigation is continuing. We respect the Robinson-Superior First Nations’ decision to pursue their claim through the courts and we remain open to continued dialogue outside of the courts.

• We believe that the best way to address outstanding issues and achieve reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is through negotiation and dialogue.

• We are actively keeping the lines of communication open with the First Nations and Ontario and remain open to continued dialogue and mediation outside of the court.

If pressed on Ontario’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada

• Canada has not appealed any of the Court decisions made in the ongoing Restoule and Whitesand litigation.

• Canada continues to believe that negotiations remain the best forum for addressing outstanding issues. We look forward to continuing to work with the Robinson-Huron and Robinson-Superior First Nations and the Government of Ontario to try to resolve the Restoule and Whitesand litigation outside of the courts.