PRESS RELEASE
RE: Resignation of Minister of Indian Affairs
On Friday, February 15, 2013, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (Canada), John Duncan resigned. His resignation was timed for after the close of business in many areas of Canada. His resignation was said to be necessitated by his writing of a letter of reference for a constituent who was before the Tax Court of Canada.
Hugh Braker, Chief Councillor of Tseshaht, has welcomed the resignation of John Duncan.
“Regretfully, Mr. Duncan has not been effective in the past year. Tseshaht is not sorry to see him go. His handling of the Aboriginal Education issue, Attawapiskat, Idle No More Issues, Chief Spence hunger strike, changes to the Indian Act without proper consultation, and a host of other issues all showed his lack of leadership and lack of willingness to consult.” Braker said. “The Tseshaht expect the Minister to meet with us and consult on issues and not impose Government considered solutions upon us.”
“We look forward to a new Minister who will consult with Tseshaht, sit at the table as an equal and truly listen to our concerns. There are many issues of vital concern, not just to the Tseshaht but to all the people of the Alberni Valley, that we would like the Minister to hear our views on. Not the least of those issues is protecting the salmon in the Somass River. I am sure that all the people of the Alberni Valley want to see the Somass salmon runs thrive. We want a Minister who listens to our concerns and brings them to Cabinet.” Braker added.
Tseshaht believes the new Minister will have a host of major issues on his/her plate when the new Minister assumes office. A proposed new Aboriginal Education Act, the legacy of residential school, treaty negotiations, specific claims, changes to the Indian Act without consultation, reserve water and housing problems, inadequate reserve infrastructure and aboriginal health are just a few of the major issues facing the new Minister.
