Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Chief, Betty Ann Lavallee, CD, (Ret’d) Congratulates the Honourable Minister Bernard Valcourt on being Appointed as the New Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
“It was very important that Prime Minister Harper appoint a new Minister quickly who has considerable experience in government, both at the federal and provincial level...” (Chief Lavallée)
(Ottawa) February 22, 2013 - Congress of Aboriginal Peoples National Chief, Betty Ann Lavallée, CD, (Ret’d) issued the following statement on the new appointment by the Prime Minister of Bernard Valcourt.
“I am very pleased to see the appointment of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt from New Brunswick as the new Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. It was very important that Prime Minister Harper appoint a new Minister quickly who has considerable experience in government, both at the federal and provincial level.”
“It’s clear that Minister Valcourt has the experience and qualifications necessary to manage such an important portfolio that affects so many lives. I look forward to meeting with him soon to continue to move the agenda forward regarding urban and rural Aboriginal Peoples who are living off- reserve.”
“I was also pleased to see that the Prime Minister appointed someone from my home province of New Brunswick. It will be a pleasure to sit down and share our common understanding of issues that affect Aboriginal peoples from coast to coast.”
“Personally, I would like to congratulate Minister Valcourt and wish him all the success in moving the agenda forward for all Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.”
Since 1971, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (Formerly known as the Native Council of Canada) has been the National Representative Organization and the National Voice for the constituency and their affiliate organizations making up the Congress’ family of advocates for the Off-Reserve, Non-Status and Status Indians, Southern Inuit and Métis Aboriginal Peoples living in urban, rural remote and isolated areas throughout Canada. | 
