WHEREAS Quebec and the Crees wish to move forward with negotiations with respect to matters related to the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and other issues; WHEREAS the attached document entitled “Mandate for Negotiations” sets forth an overall negotiation process acceptable to the Cree people and was previously submitted to Quebec; WHEREAS Quebec wishes to show that there will be tangible and concrete results to the Cree communities; WHEREAS this Memorandum is intended to be a first step in order to establish a framework for effective discussions and cooperation between Quebec and the Crees and has been negotiated and is concluded without prejudice to the positions of any of the parties regarding their respective rights and obligations under the JBNQA and elsewhere.
IT IS AGREED: THAT negotiations now commence with respect to the following priority issues; 1. The financial participation of Quebec in community public works programs with a view to improving the water distribution and sewage treatment infrastructures within the Cree communities; 2. The implementation of resources designed to respond to the needs of the elderly and the disabled in the areas of lodging and extended care; 3. The application of provincial programs in the area of economic development with a view to responding to particular community economic development initiatives; 4. Issues that impact upon the Crees and in particular forestry and mining; 5. Issues with respect to regional authorities.
THAT these negotiations be commenced immediately based on the good faith of both parties and with the understanding that both parties wish to have concrete and tangible results as quickly as possible in order to reflect priority needs in the Cree communities and in order to reflect also a mutual commitment to improved relations; THAT the respective negotiators of Quebec and the Crees having signed this Memorandum, they undertake to proceed with its implementation and further undertake to submit a written report to the responsible of the Quebec government for Native Affairs and to the Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec) and the Chiefs of the Cree First Nations at the end of the first month and every three months thereafter in order to describe the progress which has been made on specific matters; THAT to the extent that the involvement of other parties in specific issues be required, tripartite negotiations or discussions could continue where appropriate within this process; THAT Quebec undertakes to review the “Mandate for Negotiations” as a proposed basis for the negotiations contemplated therein.
SIGNED on behalf of the Government of Quebec by David Cliche, parliamentary assistant to the Premier for Native Affairs SIGNED on behalf of the Crees of Quebec by Chief Billy Diamond, negotiator.
