(Vancouver, BC)- British Columbia Premier Christie Clark announced her new 19 member cabinet that blends veteran politicians and people who are brand new to the provincial government.“This team I have chosen is a blend of experience and fresh eyes”, Clark stated during an event at Canada Place this past Friday June 7th.
BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry called the Premier’s cabinet choices “Interesting “ but was cautious before commenting on the appointment of two-term backbencher John Rustad as Minister for Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.
BC Métis Federation President Henry added, “We didn’t see much progress under previous Liberal Ministers Honourable Mary Polak or former MLA Ida Chong in the ministry. After eight years as an MLA John Rustad will have to step right up strongly as the new minister if he is to show the kind of progressive leadership that First Nations and Metis people in British Columbia have been seeking.”
BC Métis Federation President Henry concluded; “We welcome MLA Honourable John Rustad as the new Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. The BC Métis Federation continues to currently address a human rights discrimination claim against this same Liberal led government but we hope a new Minister, fresh eyes, and the recent Senate of Canada report on Métis identity that publicly acknowledged the Métis Nation Council and their governing members, such as Métis Nation British Columbia, do not represent all Métis people, will pave the way for a new constructive relationship but ultimately time will tell.”
For more information about the BC Métis Federation please go to www.bcmetis.com.
Media Inquiries:
Keith Henry
President
BC Métis Federation
#300-3665 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5R 5W2
Office 1-604-638-7220
Cell 1-778-388-5013
Email k.henry@bcmetis.com
You can now follow BC Métis Federation President Keith Henry on twitter @keithhenryMetis
[ilink url=”https://bcmetis.com/wp-content/uploads/BCMF-Press-Release-June-10th-2013-BC-Liberal-Cabinet-Announcement.pdf” style=”download”]BCMF Press Release June 10th, 2013 BC Liberal Cabinet Announcement[/ilink]