Hon. Tracy Muggli: Senator Moreau, last fall, I met with a delegation from the Cowessess First Nation led by Chief Erica Beaudin. They were in Ottawa to discuss a settlement to their claim. For context, they asserted that, in 1907, the Crown illegally disposed of land reserved for the Cowessess without their consent.
Six years ago, in early 2020, the government agreed to negotiate a settlement. I understand that a government negotiator and the First Nation came to an agreement on a verbal offer in 2023, yet today, in 2026, it has yet to be formalized. What is happening?
Senator Moreau, what should I tell Chief Beaudin and other Cowessess members the next time I see them? How much longer should those folks wait before this informal agreement is formalized and their claim is resolved?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): I’m not sure you will be satisfied with the answer, but I’ll give it my best shot.
The government remains committed to honouring its treaty obligations and resolving specific claims, including with the Cowessess First Nation. Given current fiscal pressure, decisions on high-value claims require careful consideration and approvals, which can take additional time.
While I cannot speak on the specifics due to confidentiality in the mandating process, negotiations are ongoing and the government remains committed to reaching a solution rapidly.
Senator Muggli: Senator Moreau, Chief Beaudin and the councillors have been working on this for years. They are on the fourth Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations since these negotiations started.
Would it be possible to get a more detailed explanation from the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, as well as the Minister of Finance and the President of the Treasury Board, on exactly where things stand with respect to resolving this claim?
More broadly, what is the government’s path forward for all other First Nations in Saskatchewan dealing with significant delays in resolving their claims?
Senator Moreau: The government recognizes, senator, concerns around delays and is working with First Nation partners to improve the efficiency and timelines of claim processes.
The government’s focus remains on advancing fair, timely and negotiated settlements for First Nations in Saskatchewan, as well as anywhere else around the country.