March 30, 2005

ILFORD - The War Lake First Nation, Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro today signed a settlement agreement that will address effects of past hydroelectric development in the War Lake First Nation area.

Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin participated in the signing ceremony today. The agreement provides for financial contributions of $2.68 million over eight years. Following the signing, funds will be administered through a trust fund for the benefit of War Lake First Nation. The settlement agreement was ratified by community referendum.

“The agreement is evidence of our government’s strong commitment to addressing past developments and working in partnership with First Nations on future opportunities,” said Lathlin.

“We are pleased past effects have been addressed so we can move forward in a new era of relations with First Nations on hydro developments,” said Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro.

“This agreement will have a positive effect and help us rebuild our community which was impacted by past hydroelectric developments in our region,” said War Lake Chief Rusty Beardy.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of these negotiations,” said Bob Brennan, president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Hydro. “Today, we have taken an important step in addressing the adverse effects of past projects on the people of War Lake and have further enhanced a relationship that will see the First Nation play a key role in future local hydroelectric developments.”

In addition to the financial contributions, the agreement provides a process for Hydro and War Lake to identify and make arrangements to address potential impacts from any future hydro developments that might affect War Lake. Manitoba Hydro had previously compensated fishing losses at Ilford in 1975. The federal government was not a party in these settlement arrangements.