Cabinet shuffle causes varied reaction

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Premier Ed Stelmach's blending of Aboriginal Affairs with Intergovernmental and International Affairs in his new cabinet may not be a bad thing, says one Aboriginal politician.

Alden Armstrong, president of the Metis Settlements of Alberta said "the mandate letters that were issued by Premier Stelmach promote clarity and accountability across all ministries." He added the placing of Aboriginal affairs with Intergovernmental and International Affairs "will provide the Metis settlements with an opportunity to develop new working relationships with key departments" and "could also help the settlements to promote their profiles in Ottawa and even lend assistance to promoting international trade opportunities involving the settlements."

Regarding the former minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Pearl Calahasen, who is left without a portfolio, Armstrong stated, "Pearl did her best . . . to promote the interests of the settlements and Albertans" and her absence is a "huge loss."

Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) vice-president, Trevor Gladue, praised Calahasen, who he claimed was "stellar in moving the Interim Metis Harvesting Agreement forward." He added Calahasen "did an outstanding job advancing the interests of our Aboriginal communities and people" and hopes that the new government "will continue to move our rights forward."

Gladue was also pleased that Calahasen and the (former Premier Ralph) Klein government recognized the inherent right of Metis people to harvest and stated this led the MNA to "negotiate rather than litigate" for harvesting rights in Alberta - the only province in all of Canada to have such an arrangement.

During a recent telephone interview with Calahasen, she admitted the loss of her portfolio was "a disappointment - it always is when you lose an area you had a passion for."

However, she views the new structure of blended ministries as something that "bodes well for the Aboriginal community" because it "sets the stage for a level involving the federal government." She pointed out her ministry's past work has set a strong foundation that now has to move to a secondary level, one that involves the federal government.

Calahasen said she will always cherish the fact she had the opportunity to "break trails" and "advance opportunities for Aboriginal people."

What is needed now is "to continue to work together" and ensure the futures for our children and grandchildren in this province, she concluded.