Algonquin Land Claim presentations available online

OFAH FILE: 842
April 9, 2013
For Immediate Release

Algonquin Land Claim presentations available online

OFAH/CSIA/FOCA to host webcast April 11

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), along with the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association (CSIA) and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association (FOCA) will be presenting on the Algonquin Land Claim through a webcast Thursday April 11, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on www.algonquinlandclaim.ca. 

A draft Agreement in Principle (AIP) for the land claim, which covers an area of 36,000 square kilometres in eastern Ontario, was released late last year. The AIP provides for a large financial settlement and the allocation of not less than 117,500 acres of land to the Algonquin. In addition, the province will create a new 30,000 acre park reflective of Algonquin values, and involve them in the management of a number of other parks and protected areas. Negotiations towards a final AIP that will be voted on by the Algonquin, likely this fall, and a final Treaty are continuing. 

Earlier this spring, to offset a lack of information being provided to the public, the OFAH, CSIA and FOCA conducted public meetings in Perth, Stittsville, North Bay, Pembroke and Bancroft; key areas impacted upon by the land claim. However, there are a number of people who hunt and fish within the area of the claim or who may have cottages, hunt camps or land use permits who may be affected, but did not have a chance to hear the presentations and access the information available at the public meetings. 

“It is astounding how many people affected by the claim have not been consulted or informed by the government of how the land claim settlement may impact their lives, despite their stated objective to consult with interested parties throughout the negotiation process and to keep the public informed on the progress of negotiations. In an effort to bridge the knowledge gap, and to reach as many people as possible, we decided that a webcast was the best platform,” said OFAH Executive Director Angelo Lombardo. “Even if you don’t live within the land claim area, chances are that you, or someone you know owns land in the area or recreates there. Once people are told what the Agreement in Principle represents, and how it may impact on current hunting and fishing opportunities, they will better understand the urgency behind our call to action and how important it is for them to contact their federal and provincial elected representatives to make their concerns known.”

The OFAH is the largest charitable, non-profit conservation organization in Ontario, with 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 710 member clubs. To learn more, visit www.algonquinlandclaim.ca, like the OFAH on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

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