A northern MP says he hopes whoever is chosen to be Canada’s next Aboriginal Affairs minister is able to relate to both the Indigenous leadership and its grassroots.
It’s only been days since John Duncan announced he was stepping down as minister due to a conflict of interest over a letter he wrote on behalf of a constituent to the Canada Revenue Agency.
However, Desnethé-Missinipi-Churchill River MP Rob Clarke says he thinks it would be prudent for the Prime Minster to appoint someone who has experience dealing with Aboriginal people on a local basis.
“Well it’s interesting when you see the Idle No More movement taking place – actually I just met here with one of their leaders last week – the Idle No More, their issues and causes really reflect the issues that are facing First Nations today,” he says.
Clarke says he believes Duncan is very intelligent and understands the Aboriginal Affairs file well.
He’s hoping the government will be able to find someone who is equally capable.