Prentice, Harper talk Aboriginal relationships

The need to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal people was among the topics discussed when Premier Jim Prentice met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper for the first time. Prentice holds the portfolio of Aboriginal Relations in his Cabinet. The two leaders also focused on Alberta’s economy, energy and the need for skilled labour in the province, according to a news release. The meeting took place in Calgary on Oct. 10. In related news, Prentice told The Canadian Press that he would revisit policies that have resulted in court action by First Nations. His comment contradicts statements made in his first press conference when he said, “I will tell you that ... the process of a new engagement on consultation and accommodation that fulfills the constitutional obligations of the government is well under way and I intend to pick up on the work and carry forth with it.” First Nations have been critical of the new process put in place by the Redford government, which created an Aboriginal Consultation Office and established a matrix, which would guide consultation. Prentice told CP, “It clearly has to be revisited. We can’t have consultation legislation that none of the people who are being consulted support. There’s going to have to be further discussions with First Nations leadership and Chiefs. A number of them have flagged it for me personally.”