Trudeau and Liberal Party affirms Steadfast Support for Nunatukavut Land Claim

Press Releases

(Labrador, October 8, 2015) – The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) today announced it has received an official letter from Mr. Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada affirming their steadfast support for its Land Claim. In the letter, Mr. Trudeau says he reiterates his “longstanding and unwavering commitment that a Liberal government will accept the NunatuKavut Land Claim and move it to the negotiating table immediately.”

“This is fantastic news,” says Todd Russell, President of the NCC. “We met with Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau shortly after he became leader and he confirmed his commitment to our Land Claim at that time. We are thrilled that Mr. Trudeau’s most recent letter outlines his unequivocal support for NunatuKavut and in building a respectful Nation-to-Nation relationship.”

Labrador Liberal Candidate, Yvonne Jones, has been a strong advocate for Aboriginal rights and the NCC Land Claim at both the local and national level.

“We are very pleased with the active and longstanding support of Ms. Jones,” said President Russell. “There is no doubt that she understands the urgency of having an agreement in place for the benefit of our people, all Labradorians and, indeed, all Canadians.”

The NCC approached each federal party leader to request their formal position on its Land Claim. Each leader was asked whether they would accept the claim and enter into respectful negotiations should their party form government and they become Prime Minister.

“We firmly believe that a Land Claim agreement would have a tremendous impact on securing the overall wellbeing of our people for many generations,” said President Russell. “To date, we have letters from three out of four federal party leaders. We strongly urge NunatuKavut members and supporters to consider this information when making a decision on who to support during the election.”

For regular updates, please visit our website at www.nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at facebook.com/nunatuKavut and Twitter @nunatuKavut.

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For further information, please contact:

Kelly Nippard, Director of Communications, NCC, 709-280-5965

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