Prime Minister's statement on re-election of Phil Fontaine

NEWS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

********************* Prime Minister Harper congratulates Phil Fontaine on his re-election as AFN National Chief 12 July 2006

Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the results of the election for National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN):

"I wish to offer my sincere congratulations to Phil Fontaine on his re-election as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

"The AFN plays an important role as an advocate for the concerns of First Nations peoples. Since becoming national chief, Mr. Fontaine has worked to form partnerships with other native leaders, federal and provincial governments and other stakeholders to seek ways to improve the quality of life for Canada’s First Nations peoples.

"In the months to come, my government looks forward to working with Mr. Fontaine and the AFN leadership to tackle the challenges facing First Nations peoples and to find solutions that produce real results and provide lasting benefits."

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