For immediate release
July 26, 2002
DELAY COULD HAVE SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR VICTOR PROJECT
Toronto, July 26, 2002 — On Thursday July 25, 2002 De Beers Canada
Corporation was informed by the Attawapiskat First Nation that with immediate
effect they would be terminating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
which was agreed between the company (then Monopros Limited) and the First
Nation in November 1999. The First Nation advised De Beers that they are
also suspending the community consultation process.
De Beers Canada Corporation is surprised at this development.
The company believes that the MOU has provided an excellent
framework for working with the Attawapiskat First Nation
as the project moved through exploration to the pre-feasibility
study which is currently underway. De Beers believes that
this development has damaged the spirit of cooperation
and meaningful consultation which has characterized their
dealings with the Attawapiskat First Nation. Discussions
have been held for several months to formulate a protocol
for negotiating a Participation or Impact Benefit Agreement.
In addition, whilst De Beers has had numerous meetings
in the community, with the Chief, Council, Steering Committee
and Provincial and Federal Government representatives,
the First Nation has not emphasized the issue of Aboriginal
and Treaty rights. This is a sudden change in focus.
The First Nation has stated its intention to delay the
progress of the project by at least two months in order
to review its position. De Beers is concerned that this
delay could extend well beyond two months. The company
has not had the opportunity to assess the full impact of
this development, however, it could delay the project significantly.
Despite the delay, the First Nation has requested that
De Beers continue to fund initiatives supporting the community.
- Ends -
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further information contact:
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Linda Dorrington
Manager - Public and Corporate Affairs
De Beers Canada
Email: linda.dorrington@ca.debeersgroup.com
Tel: (416) 645-1710 ext 412 / (905) 849-0619
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