THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s grand chief says he hopes to forge a strong working relationship with the country’s new Indigenous Services minister.
Alvin Fiddler issued a statement praising Jane Philpott, who previously held the post. Philpott on Monday was moved to the treasury board portfolio in a mini cabinet shuffle, replacing Scott Brison, who suddenly resigned last week.
Former TV host Seamus O’Regan, who hails from Newfoundland, takes over Indigenous Services from Philpott. He was previously the Veterans Affairs minister.
“We welcome the appointment of Minister O'Regan as her replacement and will reach out to him immediately to ensure that our progress on the many issues affecting NAN First Nations will continue without interruption,” NAN Chief Alvin Fiddler said in a statement.
“We would also like to acknowledge Jody Wilson-Raybould for making history as Canada’s first Indigenous Justice Minister. Our First Nations continue to have high expectations of this government, as an active Treaty partner, to work with us to end the inequity between First Nations and the rest of Canada.”
Other cabinet moves made Monday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau included shifting Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to Veterans Affairs and naming David Lametti of Montreal to take her place. Bernadette Jordan was put in charge of a new ministry, Rural Economic Development.
TBNewsWatch
