The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is speaking out about Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan’s resignation.
“It was a surprise and a shock to me,” FSIN Chief Perry Bellegarde said.
Duncan stepped down over controversy regarding a letter he wrote to a tax court for a constituent facing tax problems. The move was seen an attempt to influence a government department.
Chief Bellegarde said Duncan was a nice man, but he isn’t satisfied with the progress he made with Aboriginal Affairs. Now, he’s looking forward to a fresh start with a new minister.
“[He was a] very nice man, a very honourable man, but what files have been moved in terms or education, or housing, or dealing with treaty entitlement, or reserve creation, or even water?” Bellegarde asked. “There are still huge gaps that face First Nations people.”
Moving forward, Bellegarde said he hopes Duncan’s replacement is someone with the commitment and authority to tackle First Nations issues.
Heritage Minister James Moore will temporarily take over Duncan’s file.
