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Rapid Lake, Quebec ­ As the logging stand-off in Quebec's La Verendrye Park extends into its second month, meetings have begun between Quebec officials and the Algonquins of Barriere Lake (ABL). Last week, a delegation of Algonquin leaders, under Grand Chief Carol McBride, met with Guy Chevrette, Quebec's Minister for Native Affairs.

Logging has been suspended in the region since the Federal government walked away from its financial commitments to developing an Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP). The IRMP was one of the goals laid out in the 1991 Trilateral Agreement signed by Canada, Quebec and the ABL to avert future logging disputes. The federal government has walked from the plan, which is 16 months from completion, claiming they have already spent enough money on the process.

In a letter to Quebec Minister Guy Chevrette, Chief Harry Wawatie of the ABL, wrote to remind the Minister that the ABL are the ones paying the price for delays in completing the IRMP.

"Your government and corporations operating within the region, including Hydro Quebec, are benefiting almost exclusively from the economic benefits of resource development in the region, which we estimate to be probably in excess of $100 million," wrote Chief Wawatie. "We receive the least amount of benefits, no share of resource revenues and no jobs. It is really shameful when you think about it."

Minister Chevrette has suggested a new funding arrangement, which would complete the IRMP in four months, rather than the planned 16 months. While Chief Wawatie says he is interested in working with Quebec on finding ways to end the impasse, the ABL will only give support if the work can be done properly and with adequate Algonquin involvement.

"I must admit to being shocked by the 4-month estimate given that, our work-plan was based on a detailed, joint-assessment undertaken by [a] Ministry of Natural Resources official and the Trilateral Secretariat official, both of whom are highly competent foresters."

Without the Federal government returning to the table, it is feared that mills in Grand Remous and Val d'Or, Quebec, could be headed for lay-offs.