Native Leaders Glad Prentice Is Staying Put

Friday, January 05, 2007 at 15:33

 

 

Stephen Harper’s decision to leave Jim Prentice as Indian Affairs minister and Metis interlocutor is drawing favourable remarks from Aboriginal leaders.

 

Prentice has had strained relations with some Aboriginal groups, and there had been speculation he was going to replace Rona Ambrose as the Environment minister in yesterday’s cabinet shuffle.

 

Tony Belcourt of the Metis National Council says he’s glad his group won’t be forced to break in a new minister with so many issues and files already on the table.

 

He says he knows some leaders feel the Metis file is progressing too slowly under Prentice’s watch, but feels Prentice shouldn’t get all the blame. Belcourt says any cabinet minister is limited by the government he represents.

 

Belcourt also says he feels optimistic about working with Prentice in the New Year.

 

The Assembly of First Nations is echoing Belcourt’s sentiments. National chief Phil Fontaine says First Nations want to continue the “good working relationship” they have with Prentice.