Minister objects to article

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Your paper's recent coverage of the First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management bill provides your readers with only one side of the story. By launching into critiques rather than first pointing out the intentions and history behind this piece of proposed legislation, your readers are left with a misrepresentation of the facts. Re: "Financial institutions act divides chiefs," September 2002 and "Government setting a trap," October 2002.

There are a multitude of reasons to support this important initiative. Reasons that include contributing to the much-needed framework for First Nations economic and social development and providing First Nations with the same tools that other levels of government take for granted. Tools that will help build basic infrastructure such as roads to support economic development.

This legislation will not change the role of the federal government to support basic community infrastructure. However, this bill will allow First Nations to get on with the business of building their economies without waiting for the government of Canada. They will be able to build a business-friendly environment and attract investors when opportunities arise.

I believe that the most convincing argument in support of this legislation is that it is the result of over 10 years of dedication and expertise of First Nation leaders and individuals who know first hand the limitations of the Indian Act when it comes to building First Nation economies-it is First Nations who approached the government to solidify these four institutions through legislation. The four First Nations institutions proposed under this legislation all will be run by and for First Nations-another step toward self-government. A far cry from the "paternalism" described by Professor Fred Lazar in your October 2002 article.

Robert D. Nault

Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development