There’s a new Aboriginal Affairs minister in Ottawa and the Indigenous leadership in Saskatchewan is eager to get to work on pressing issues with him.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed veteran New Brunswick MP Bernard Valcourt to his new portfolio this morning replacing John Duncan who resigned last week.
Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde says the FSIN is happy to work with the new minister but they will be looking for results particularly in the area of treaty implementation.
“I’m more concerned with him coming in with strong support from the prime minister’s office and strong support from cabinet to look at treaty implementation and section 35 of the Canadian constitution which recognizes existing Aboriginal treaty rights,” he says.
Métis Nation of Saskatchewan President Robert Doucette says there are a number of files he will be looking to press with the new minister including the government’s recent decision to file an appeal on the Daniels court decision.
“Because Métis people are taxpayers,” he says. “And we also have a historic agreement with the government of Canada vis-à-vis the Métis scrip process. So, there are outstanding issues.”
At the same time, FSIN Vice-Chief Bobby Cameron says only time will tell if Valcourt is the right man for the job.
He says First Nations want someone they can have meaningful dialogue with.
“Someone that will have a more consistent relationship and someone that will have a respect of our on-reserve issues,” he says. “And that’s not to say Mr. Valcourt is not, it remains to be seen to what character he is and how he is going to work with our Indian leadership across Canada.”
Cameron adds he hadn’t heard of Valcourt before now but he’s anxious to hear what the new minister has to say.
Valcourt was most recently the secretary of state for Francophone Affairs.