Nault replaces Stewart

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Just days after Jane Stewart told the Assembly of First Nations' Vancouver convention that she was still personally committed to the idea of an independent specific claims tribunal, the former minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development was granted what Ottawa insiders say was her expressed wish to move up in the federal cabinet pecking order.

Robert Nault is Stewart's replacement. In the Aug. 3 cabinet shuffle, the 11-year political veteran was appointed minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, his first cabinet posting. Stewart moves on to become minister of Human Resources Development.

The Liberal Party's website biography of Nault says he was first elected to represent the federal riding of Kenora-Rainy River in 1988.

Prior to entering the House of Commons, Nault studied at the University of Alberta and the University of Winnipeg, specializing in recreational administration and political science. He went to work for CP Rail in 1980 as a trainman. In 1986 he was elected chairman of Local 431 of the United Transportation Union, and he also served as the union's vice general chairman of CP Lines West.

During this time, Nault became involved in politics, heading the Kenora District Liberal Association from 1984 to 1986, and serving on the Kenora town council from 1985 to 1988.

Nault has held numerous portfolios since his election to the House of Commons. While in Opposition he served as chairman of the northern Ontario Liberal caucus, Opposition critic for Labour, associate critic for Aboriginal Affairs, and associate critic for Energy, Mines and Resources.

After the 1993 election, Nault was elected chairman of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources, and was named chairman of the government task force on CN commercialization. In September 1995, he was named parliamentary secretary to the minister of Labour. In February 1996, Nault was named parliamentary secretary to the minister of Human Resources Development. He currently serves on the Standing Committee on Health.

Nault resides in Kenora. He and his wife Lana have two children, Samantha and Daniel. His constituency office is in Dryden, Ont.

Windspeaker and the new minister have had several near misses so far, but the new Cabinet member has not been able to find time for an interview. Nault's acting press secretary Bill Shaper attempted to arrange an interview on Aug. 24, but a late-running Cabinet meeting and ministerial travel plans made it impossible. Shaper apologized for the delay and promised the minister would be available in time for the next issue.