Prentice Criticized For Behaviour At AFN Assembly

Prentice Criticized For Behaviour At AFN Assembly

Monday, July 17, 2006 at 13:09

Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Gary Merasty is directing his criticism at Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice.

Merasty says Prentice showed utter disrespect during his appearance at the Assembly of First Nations convention in Vancouver last week.

Merasty notes the chiefs were eagerly awaiting the minister’s address, but says Prentice arrived late, left early, and only set aside enough time for a speech and a quick question period.

Merasty adds Prentice’s decison to avoid everyone after his address, including the media, was even more disgraceful.

Merasty says Prentice can’t continue to dodge the blame for the Conservatives’ track record on Aboriginal issues.

The Tory government is taking some heat for refusing to implement the Kelowna Accord, but also for working to block the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights.