Rumors abound as Chretien era ends

Page 8

Who's in and who's out as Paul Martin takes over

Charlie Fox as Indian Affairs minister?

A Canadian Press story on Nov. 15 made just that suggestion, quoting unnamed sources in the Martin camp.

Fox, the Ontario Assembly of First Nations' vice-chief, issued a statement to all the Ontario chiefs on Nov. 17 in response to that story. He confirmed that he has been talking to the Martin team, but provided very little detail.

"I have been entertaining preliminary discussions with Paul Martin's transition team regarding the Kenora-Rainy River riding. Those discussions are ongoing," he wrote.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced on Nov. 18 that he will turn over the reins of power to Martin as of Dec. 12. On that date - or just before-Martin will announce his Cabinet. Until then, the speculation will continue.

The CP story reported Fox has been approached for the minister's job. But Fox's release spoke only about being a candidate. If Fox runs in Kenora as a Liberal that would mean that Robert Nault would not be a candidate in the riding for the first time since 1988. Northwest Territories Premier Stephen Kakfwi was also mentioned in the story as a possible Indian Affairs minister. Kakfwi quickly stated that he had no intention of running federally against Ethel Blondin-Andrew.

A cascade of speculation, mostly quoting unnamed Martin officials, has appeared in published reports in the last month. Talk in Ottawa is that Martin's advisors believe that former Ontario Ernie Eves made the mistake of not renewing his government after he took over from Mike Harris and then paid the price when he was defeated in October. Those who take that line believe Martin will jettison all Chretien loyalists in an effort to put a new government before the electorate in a possible spring election. Martin himself has talked publicly about "change and renewal."

He has also said on several occasions that Aboriginal issues will be a priority for his government.

Sources that attended the Liberal convention say Blondin-Andrew was with Martin when he entertained questions from members of the Liberal Party's Aboriginal Peoples Commission. Those same sources say the party is actively searching for quality Aboriginal candidates to run in the next election.

Assembly of First Nation spokesman Don Kelly said that the national chief was the victim of a "mix-up" at the Liberal convention. Kelly said Phil Fontaine was in Toronto to deliver a speech to the Law Society of Upper Canada and was invited to go to the Air Canada Centre and watch the Liberals crown their new leader. But since he wasn't a registered delegate he was denied access to the convention floor by security. The incident was reported briefly and without much detail in the Ottawa Citizen, fueling speculation that Fontaine and Martin may not have the best of relationships.

Charles Fox publicly backed Roberta Jamieson for the AFN leadership against Fontaine and then was the only vice-chief who did not appear on stage in Edmonton to state his loyalty and commitment to Fontaine. Many observers jumped easily to the conclusion that the fact Fox has been approached by Martin's team was a sign that Fontaine is on the outs with the new Liberal leader.

Kelly said the AFN leader did not take offense to the misunderstanding at the Air Canada Centre and saw it as only a security problem.

"Only card-carrying registered delegates were allowed on the convention floor and since the national chief is neither, he was asked to leave," he added.

Windspeaker wanted to ask a number of questions these incidents have raised of a member of the Martin team. Although we were promised an interview with Scott Reid, the communications director, he did not return our calls.