TOBIQUE FIRST NATION (CNB) - The provincial government and the Tobique First Nation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) resolving a number of outstanding issues. The memorandum was signed today at the Tobique First Nation.

"I am proud that the Tobique First Nation and the Province of New Brunswick have been able to reach a peaceful and positive resolution concerning the Tobique and Beechwood dams," said Human Resources Minister Rick Brewer, minister responsible for the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat. "The signing of today's MOU between the Tobique First Nation and the provincial government reiterates and reinforces our mutual commitment to honouring the true intent of the bilateral agreement signed in 2007."

Under the MOU, the provincial government and the Tobique First Nation have reached agreement on a number of items, including but not limited to:

  • remediation for shore erosion along the Saint John and Tobique rivers;
  • investigation, assessment and remediation of dump site contamination;
  • electrical energy development opportunities;
  • a training and mentorship program to train Tobique First Nation workers to perform maintenance on hydroelectric stations, including the Tobique and the Beechwood dams. This activity will include normal maintenance related to the safe and efficient delivery of electricity;
  • royalties;
  • five megawatts of power generation allocated to the Tobique First Nation;
  • other issues about the Tobique Dam including but not limited to power lines; ownership; and leases.

"I would like to thank Tobique First Nations' chief and council, their negotiating team and officials from Aboriginal Affairs for making today's agreement possible," Brewer said. "I look forward to building on today's announcement and working with all 15 First Nations communities on areas of mutual concern."

As a part of the MOU, the Tobique First Nation will ensure that NB Power will have access to the restricted dam area so that normal activity related to the safe and efficient delivery of electricity will occur within Tobique.

The provincial government and the Tobique First Nation will continue discussions and establish implementation timelines over the next several months.

14-12-09