KAHNAWAKE, QC, Nov. 25, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Élizabeth Larouche, travelled to the Mohawk community of Kahnawake today to meet Grand Chief Michael Ahríhrhon Delisle Jr. and the Chief Responsible for Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Lloyd Philips, and the Chief of staff, Mr Mike O'Brien.
The purpose of the meeting was to continue a constructive dialogue with the community. The Grand Chief and Minister were able to discuss several important subjects, particularly the question of the Anglophone regional adult education centre, various tourism projects, and current negotiations between the Government of Québec and Kahnawake.
"The Government of Québec's relations with the Mohawks of Kahnawake must be constant and open in order to reach their full potential. My presence in the community demonstrates the type of relationship that I intend to make long-lasting," said the Minister.
Minister Larouche reiterated the message expressed by the Premier to Grand Chief Delisle in 2012. She reaffirmed the Government of Québec's interest in respecting its commitments to add land to the reserve and to support Kahnawake's economic development. She also described her wish to arrive at mutually satisfactory solutions through negotiation mechanisms.
"Community development is essential, for the population obviously, but also to foster dialogue and collaboration with neighbouring communities. We should remember that Kahnawake is located close to Montréal, the largest economic centre in Québec," added Ms. Larouche.
Consultation tour
After the meeting, Minister Larouche participated in the consultation meetings on economic development of the Highway 30 corridor. In May 2013, an inter-ministerial committee was formed with eight ministers to prepare the Government's strategic vision of the Highway 30 corridor from Sorel-Tracy to Vaudreuil-Soulanges as well as a related development plan. The committee decided to hold a series of consultations with partners in the metropolitan region affected, to ensure a common and overall understanding of the various issues involved in economic growth along the highway axis.
The Minister for Industrial Policy and the Banque de développement économique du Québec, Élaine Zakaïb, the Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports and Minister responsible for the Montérégie region, Marie Malavoy, and Minister Élizabeth Larouche met with Grand Chief Delisle and representatives of partner organizations from the community of Kahnawake to learn about their vision of development for the Highway 30 corridor and to evaluate the opportunities offered to the community.
| Source: | Antonine Yaccarini |
| Press Attaché | |
| Office of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs | |
| 418-563-0458 |
SOURCE: Cabinet de la ministre déléguée aux Affaires autochtones
Antonine Yaccarini
Press Attaché
Office of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
418-563-0458
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