WHEREAS the Aboriginal people of British Columbia have been promised resolution of treaties; AND WHEREAS resolution of treaties will bring certainty and release prosperity for the benefit of all British Columbians: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities petition both the provincial and federal governments to give high priority to the treaty process and make a serious effort to negotiate fair and equitable treaties.
TREATY NEGOTIATIONS OFFICE The provincial government has undertaken a number of initiatives to revitalize the treaty process, including: - In 2002, the Province held a province-wide referendum on treaty principles with the objective of revitalizing the treaty process; - In 2003 and 2004, the Province added a number of innovative and new tools to the process, such as resource revenue sharing and accommodation measures; and the Treaty Negotiation Office implemented a focused resourcing strategy that maximizes the opportunities for success at negotiating tables across the province. These efforts have resulted in an unprecedented level of success in progress at negotiation tables, including the signing of four Agreements-In-Principle AIPs. These four tables are in advanced Final Agreement negotiations and the province is working to see final agreements signed within the next six to twelve months.
INDIAN AFFAIRS NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT Please be assured that the Government of Canada remains committed to concluding treaties in an expeditious manner. The Government of Canada is working with First Nations and the Government of British Columbia to address any challenges that arise as we work towards the conclusion of final agreements.