Mitchell says Scott's Not Failing First Nations

A small rally held earlier in the week on the Kashechewan reserve to protest the poor living conditions caused by contaminated water caught the attention of the Nation.

Former Minister of Indian Affairs, MP Andy Mitchell, who was in the Bay for the Pathway to Prosperity Forum at Canadore today and said the evacuation of the reserve Thursday morning is a good first step.

“I think Mr. Scott worked with the community, they cam to a conclusion last night and made a series of initiatives that they’re going to undertake,” stated Mitchell.

“And I know that Mr. Scott is working very very closely with the community and they’ll move forward on the things that they announced last night.”

Mitchell also said he doesn’t feel the Federal Liberals are failing the First Nation’s people.

“Mr. Scott has been putting a tremendous amount of work here in Northern Ontario and right across Canada,” said Mitchell.

“There’s going to be a First Ministers meeting along with Aboriginal leaders later in the fall to talk about a broad range of initiatives and how that federal government can work with First Nation’s members and all Aboriginal Canadians right across Canada.”

Nipissing Temiskiming MP Anthony Rota talked about the passion his colleague Scott has had for the past year and half in the position of Minister of Indian Affairs.

“I don’t think it was deliberate, it’s something that happened and I know he’s working very hard with them now. They met last night and they’ve come to a good agreement and I think it will be very good for the First Nations.”

Rota feels the individual case negotiation model used Wednesday was successful and that it is the model the Minister should revisit when addressing the needs of all First Nations.

“The same thing that’s been happening over the last little while, and last night especially when the Minister and his aids meet with the communities and determine what they need and ten go from there, so that it’s tailored to individual communities, there’s some that’s going to be common but there are certain needs that have to go to different communities,” states Rota.

“And I think that’s what has to be looked at and I think we’re on our way.”