MICHAEL’S BAY—A Manitoulin resident who has raised concerns with Michael’s Bay properties and the need to maintain its property and cemeteries within it is pleased with a letter he received from the Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada.
“I think it is good news,” stated Bill Wilson, in regards to a letter he recently received from Judy M. Foote. “She acknowledged what is going on and indicated that Doug (Tracy) has now been granted access to the properties and get into the cemeteries and visit the grave sites there.”
Ms. Foote, in her letter dated February 18, 2016 wrote, “thank you for your letter describing your concern in relation to the Michael’s Bay properties.”
She explained, “in a complex international criminal prosecution, the properties were restrained as proceeds of crime and were initially forfeited to Belgium. Under international treaties, Canada recognizes the Belgian forfeiture order and has been tasked with managing the properties.”
Ms. Foote explained, “although the government of Canada gained legal title to the properties on November 8, 2014, the treaties that permitted Canada to gain legal title also impose a fiduciary responsibility to return a share of the proceeds of disposal to Belgium. While Canada is the current owner of the property, it has related external obligations. Similarly, the Government of Canada has obligations to consult local aboriginal groups as part of the disposition process and has been consulting with the Government of Ontario, local municipalities and other stakeholders.”
“The Seized Property Management Directorate of Public Services and Procurement Canada has been tasked with managing and disposing of the properties in Michael’s Bay and is currently investigating which method of disposal will best meet all of Canada’s obligations while also taking into account the interests of other levels of government and stakeholders. Once the diverse obligations and interests in the properties have been fully addressed, the resulting disposition process will be publicly disposed,” continued Ms. Foote.
“In response to concerns from the community, limited license to access some of the properties has been provided to Doug Tracy,” wrote Ms. Foote. “Mr. Tracy has been granted this access in order to address heritage issues.”
However, Ms. Foote noted, “unfettered public access is not being provided due to potential safety, security and liability risks that otherwise would not exist. Please be assured that all options for managing and disposing of the properties are being carefully weighed while respecting obligations under Canadian and international laws.”
