Martin Era begins

Andy Mitchell takes over Indian Affairs from Nault

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When Paul Martin was sworn in as Canada's 21st prime minister on Dec. 12, a long-awaited new era in Canada-First Nation relations arrived. Or at least that's the hope of Aboriginal leaders across the country.

Martin sent a powerful signal to the entire country when he asked Ojibway Elder Elmer Courchene to smudge him before he took the oath of office.

He sent another strong signal by dropping 22 Chretien cabinet ministers, including Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Robert Nault. The Chretien-era secretary of state for Indian Affairs, Stephen Owen, was promoted in cabinet-he becomes minister of Public Works-despite having been on the outs with Nault after remarks last year that compared the conditions faced by Palestinian youth with those faced by First Nation youth.

In other signals that Aboriginal issues will be a priority for the new prime minister, the Martin transition team Aboriginal liaison, Jeff Copenace, was appointed to the Prime Minister's Office staff as special assistant for Aboriginal Affairs. Martin, himself, will chair the standing committee on Aboriginal Affairs, a clear sign that he will be heavily involved in Native issues.

Andy Mitchell, member of parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka, was appointed to replace Nault as minister. Mitchell was first elected to the House of Commons in 1993. He has served as secretary of state for rural development, for the federal economic development initiative for Northern Ontario and for parks.

He chaired the standing committee on Natural Resources, was vice-chair of the Industry committee, chair of the federal Liberal caucus task force on access to capital by small business, a member of the ministerial task force on disability and Canadians, and chair of the Northern Ontario caucus.

Prior to becoming a member of Parliament, Mitchell had a 20-year career in banking. He has also been involved in numerous business associations, serving as president of the Northeastern Ontario, Elliot Lake and Gravenhurst chambers of commerce and as a director of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. He was also active on the Elliot Lake and Gravenhurst economic development committees.

Mitchell will be a member of the influential cabinet committee on priorities and planning. He has also been named to the cabinet committee on domestic affairs, the cabinet committee on operations and he will be the vice-chair of the cabinet committee on Aboriginal Affairs.

Larry Bagnell was appointed parliamentary secretary to the minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development with special emphasis on northern economic development. The Yukon MP was first elected to the House of Commons in November 2000. He has served as a member of the standing committee on Aboriginal Affairs and the standing committee on Industry, Science and Technology.

There is also a new face in the Indian Affairs' deputy minister's office. J. Michael Horgan is in. He was the senior associate deputy minister of Finance.

Members of the cabinet committee on Aboriginal Affairs, which a government release said "supports a renewed emphasis on Aboriginal issues" include: Martin, Mitchell and members Jack Austin, Pierre Pettigrew, Claudette Bradshaw, Rey Pagtakhan, Stan Keyes, Joe Volpe, Geoff Regan, Irwin Cotler, Helene Scherrer, John Efford, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Joe Comuzzi and Carolyn Bennett.

Aboriginal leaders were quick to reach out to the new prime minister and his cabinet.

In his statement welcoming the new government, National Chief Phil Fontaine reminded Martin of his comments to the chiefs on July 22, 2002 while speaking at the AFN annual general assembly in Kahnawake, Que.

"If we are serious about solving the many issues before us today, we need to fully understand and recognize the treaty rights as entrenched within Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution and give continuing life to our government's recognition of the inherent right to self-government," Martin said then.

"We are hopeful that today marks th beginning of a new era and a renewed relationship between First Nations and Canada," said Fontaine after Martin took over as prime minister. "First Nations across the country are optimistic that we can work in partnership with the new government to boldly create transformative and lasting change that benefits our people as well as all Canadians."

Fontaine noted Martin's recent statement that: "if we can seize the opportunities that our times offer us, we can break the cycle of poverty, indignity and injustice in which so many Aboriginal Canadians live."

"We share this goal and see it as being directly connected to the fundamental work of implementing the treaties and the full expression of the rights of First Nations peoples," said the national chief. "Giving life to the treaties and Aboriginal rights as recognized in Canada's Constitution are not just political issues-they are the foundation on which First Nations can build their economies, strengthen their governments and re-vitalize their citizens. This work is central to economic development, social development, health, education and the full spectrum of issues we must address."

Phil Fontaine also welcomed the appointment of Mitchell.

"The fresh perspective provided by a new cabinet and minister of Indian Affairs gives us an opportunity to proceed on an agenda for real change," he said. "I am hoping to meet with the new minister immediately to discuss areas where we can work together. I want to raise immediate priorities, like a new housing strategy for First Nations, education, training and building capacities among our people. Mr. Mitchell's commitment to community-based economic development, infrastructure in rural communities and the environment provides him with an understanding of the issues facing First Nations."

Metis leaders also extended their welcome to the government.

"I wish to extend my congratulations to the new prime minister of Canada and his cabinet. From the Metis Nation's perspective,Mr. Martin's new government provides an exciting opportunity to forge a renewed relationship between Canada and the Metis Nation," said Clem Chartier, newly elected president of the Metis National Council.

On behalf of the MNC, David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, congratulated Denis Coderre on being appointed president of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada with the additional responsibility as federal interlocutor for Metis.

Brenda Chamberlain was appointed parliamentary secretary to the president of the Privy Council with a special emphasis for Metis, a new position.