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ONTARIO: NAN leadership to reach out to new Indigenous Services minister

Newfoundland's Seamus O'Regan taking over Indigenous Services portfolio as part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's latest cabinet shuffle
2018-11-05 Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O'Regan
Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O'Regan. Photo/ Canadian Press

THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s grand chief says he hopes to forge a strong working relationship with the country’s new Indigenous Services minister.

Alvin Fiddler issued a statement praising Jane Philpott, who previously held the post. Philpott on Monday was moved to the treasury board portfolio in a mini cabinet shuffle, replacing Scott Brison, who suddenly resigned last week.

Former TV host Seamus O’Regan, who hails from Newfoundland, takes over Indigenous Services from Philpott. He was previously the Veterans Affairs minister.

“We welcome the appointment of Minister O'Regan as her replacement and will reach out to him immediately to ensure that our progress on the many issues affecting NAN First Nations will continue without interruption,” NAN Chief Alvin Fiddler said in a statement.

“We would also like to acknowledge Jody Wilson-Raybould for making history as Canada’s first Indigenous Justice Minister. Our First Nations continue to have high expectations of this government, as an active Treaty partner, to work with us to end the inequity between First Nations and the rest of Canada.”

Other cabinet moves made Monday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau included shifting Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to Veterans Affairs and naming David Lametti of Montreal to take her place. Bernadette Jordan was put in charge of a new ministry, Rural Economic Development.

TBNewsWatch



Leith Dunick

About the Author: Leith Dunick

A proud Nova Scotian who has called Thunder Bay home since 2002, Leith is Dougall Media's director of news, but still likes to tell your stories too. Wants his Expos back and to see Neil Young at least one more time. Twitter: @LeithDunick
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