The Canadian Press

BRANTFORD, Ont. — Ottawa has offered $145 million to settle two outstanding land claims filed by a band in southern Ontario.

Minister of Indian Affairs Chuck Strahl called the offer made Monday to the Mississaugas of the New Credit a major breakthrough in claim talks.

Ottawa made the offer to settle the Brant Tract claim from a land purchase made in 1797 and the Toronto Purchase claim from 1805.

The basis of the two claims is that Canada did not provide the First Nation with adequate compensation for the land at the time of purchase.

The current ownership of the land is not in question and the claim was for financial compensation only.

"The progress achieved at this table shows that claim talks can deliver tangible results when partners work together to find common solutions," said Strahl.

He was joined in Brantford, Ont., by Chief Bryan LaForme of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.

"The culmination of these negotiations will allow us to ensure our membership has input into the trust agreement and settlement of the claim," said LaForme.

He said a ratification vote will follow later this spring.

The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation has approximately 1,800 members and is located adjacent to Hagersville, near Hamilton.