Ontario Regional Chief Toulouse Reacts to Ontario Cabinet Shuffle

September 18, 2008 – The shuffle of Minister Bryant out of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs comes as a complete surprise according to Regional Chief Angus Toulouse.

“Yesterday afternoon, Minister Bryant signed a very important Memorandum of Understanding with the Ontario First Nations Political Confederacy” said the Regional Chief. “There was no indication from Minister Bryant that this dramatic change was imminent. It will be critical for the new Minister, Brad Duguid to honour the Memorandum of Understanding as it deals with the important business of First Nations’ Treaties, resource benefit sharing, jurisdiction, consultation and accommodation as well as policing.”In the period that Minister Bryant was Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, advancements were made including the settlement of the Casino Rama litigation between First Nations and the Government of Ontario, the establishment of the Ipperwash Inquiry Priorities and Action Committee made up of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and other relevant government Ministers and the Ontario First Nations Political Confederacy leadership.

Regional Chief Toulouse notes that Minister Bryant was viewed as a strong and effective voice for First Nations’ interests and issues in Cabinet as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “We will continue to expect Minister Bryant to be a strong advocate for First Nations in Cabinet in his new post as Minister of Economic Development. Minister Bryant understands the direct linkages between Ontario’s economic well-being and need for the reconciliation of First Nations rights and interests with Ontario’s future.”

“We welcome Minister Duguid into the post and look forward to working him to ensure that the momentum established by First Nations and the Government of Ontario is maintained and further developed. Minister Duguid brings important experience on matters such as housing as well as a track record supporting environmental and other considerations in regards to development which will assist his understanding of many of the key issues facing First Nations today. Certainly, we will expect to meet with the new Minister at the earliest opportunity”, concluded Regional Chief Toulouse.

– 30 –

For more information please contact:

Roger Jones
(613) 327-6736
Political Advisor