January 28, 2019 · 0 Comments
IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS we are not blind to the fact that we are surrounded by Indigenous Canadians. They are a part of our communities who contribute more than they are given credit for.
When Justin Trudeau was running for prime minister he promised to heal the rift with our aboriginal brothers and sisters by fixing the sources of their complaints and bring their input into the decision-making process.
But he may have blown it all with the appointment of Seamus O’Regan as Minister of Indigenous Services. A disaster in Veterans Affairs, he could be a disaster in this equally-sensitive portfolio.
It could not have started out better for Mr. Trudeau, having named the extra-capable Jody Wilson-Raybould as the first indigenous woman to become Justice Minister. And he placed Indigenous Affairs under the solid governance of Jane Philpott, understated but among the most respected members of cabinet.
In the recent cabinet shuffle Ms. Wilson-Raybould was moved to Veterans Affairs. Our vets need out support, so let’s hope she serves them as well as they served us.
As for Mr. O’Regan, the safest place for him is in the back benches.