Government and Pictou Landing First Nation reached an agreement in principle today, June 16, to address long-standing issues at Boat Harbour.

The agreement gives government until June 30, 2015, to introduce a bill in the legislature to make law timelines for stopping the effluent from the Northern Pulp Mill going into Boat Harbour.

The agreement also formalizes government’s commitment to remediate Boat Harbour.

Positive discussions between Pictou Landing First Nation Chief Andrea Paul, the Band Council, and Environment Minister Randy Delorey into the weekend led to the agreement.

“This agreement in principle underscores government’s commitment to make real progress on Boat Harbour,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “My personal thanks go to Chief Paul and the Band Council for their willingness to work with us in reaching this agreement.

“My thanks also go to Minister Delorey for skillfully managing the file with Chief Paul and her council under difficult circumstances. I am pleased constructive work is underway, and I’m very optimistic that the province is on track to a solution that works for everyone.”

Mr. Delorey echoed the premier’s optimism.

“As I’ve said since taking office nine months ago, government is committed to cleaning up Boat Harbour,” said Mr. Delorey. “Building trust among the First Nations community and the broader Pictou area community is going to take time. It will only grow as tangible action takes place. That’s what this agreement is all about.”

Negotiating reasonable timelines to stop the use of the Boat Harbour receiving and treating effluent from Northern Pulp will begin in coming weeks.

Source: Release