Question Period Note: Treaty Negotiation with the Regroupement Petapan

• In the Fall of 2023, Quebec asked Canada and the Regroupement Petapan to renegotiate elements of the treaty.

• The parties are working collaboratively to find a way forward. Our government is optimistic we can reach an agreement and is committed to working toward the completion of this Modern Treaty.

• Once the parties reach a consensus on a draft, they will begin an extensive consultation process with neighboring First Nations before submitting the draft agreement to the members of the three First Nations of the Regroupement Petapan Inc. to ratify the proposed agreement.

The Regroupement Petapan includes three Innu communities in Quebec: Mashteuiatsh, Essipit, and Nutashkuan, with a combined population of over 13,000. Tripartite negotiations began in 1980 for the Innu's comprehensive land claim, covering the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, North Shore, and Quebec City areas.

On March 31, 2004, Canada, Quebec, and the Mamuitun mak Nutashkuan Tribal Council (now Regroupement Petapan) signed a general agreement in principle.

In 2004, four Innu communities signed the agreement, but one of them (Pessamit) since left the negotiation table.

Negotiations on a final treaty have since been pursued. In March 2023, Canada and Regroupement Petapan reached an agreement on all federal elements of the draft treaty. However, in the Fall 2023, Québec asked Canada and the Regroupement Petapan de renegotiate fundamental elements of the Treaty. Trilateral discussions are ongoing to try to find a solution to all parties. The situation is publicized dans the Chiefs of the Regroupement Petapan have expressed their frustration.

If pressed on disclosing information:

• Negotiations remain confidential at this time. Canada must respect its commitment to confidentiality in negotiations with Quebec and the Regroupement Petapan.

If pressed on consultations with other Indigenous groups

• Canada is committed to fulfilling its consultation obligations with all Indigenous groups concerned prior to signing the Treaty. However, we have not yet reached the consultation stage, which will commence when we reach a tripartite consensus on a draft Treaty.

If pressed on any overlap issue

• Canada encourages Indigenous groups to discuss common issues related to territorial overlap among affected Indigenous groups.