McMurray Métis GM to work for climate change minister

McMurray Métis general manager and Fort McMurray-Cold Lake Liberal candidate Kyle Harrietha has been appointed director of parliamentary affairs to Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna. “Kyle’s respect for the Métis people, and all Indigenous Canadians, is without question. While we’re sad to see him go,” said McMurray Métis Vice-President Bill Loutitt. “The issues being addressed by Canada’s minister of environment and climate change are incredibly important and we’re honoured to see our general manager selected to assist in implementing the minister’s mandate.” Harrietha served as general manager for the local MÈtis association for the past three years. Although unsuccessful in two federal campaigns (one by-election and then October’s general election), Harrietha made breakthroughs for the Liberals in the northern riding. In two other appointments, Edmonton Centre MP Randy Boissonnault was named parliamentary secretary to the minister of Canadian heritage, Mélanie Joly, and Labrador MP Yvonne Jones has taken on the position of parliamentary secretary to Carolyn Bennett, minister of Indigenous and northern affairs. Jones was one of eight Indigenous candidates elected under the Liberal banner in October.