New Indian Affairs minister a longtime foe of special rights for aboriginals (Daily Gleaner)

20 Aug New Indian Affairs minister a longtime foe of special rights for aboriginals (Daily Gleaner)

OTTAWA – John Duncan’s first act as Canada‘s new Indian affairs minister is being welcomed by aboriginals, but some are still worried about the “old” Duncan.

Conservative MP John Duncan is sworn in as minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians during a cabinet shuffle at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Aug. 6.

Duncan issued a government apology this week to Inuit families who were uprooted from their homeland in northern Quebec and moved to desolate spots in the High Arctic during the 1950s.

His soothing words and conciliatory attitude were in stark contrast to past statements adamantly opposing anything that smacked of special treatment for natives.

His past denunciations of “race-based” laws and government policies seem to make Duncan an odd fit for his new post, in which he’s responsible for upholding the unique constitutional, treaty and land title rights of aboriginals.

Some native leaders are concerned, wondering if Duncan‘s appointment this month heralds a new hardline approach to native issues by the Harper government.

But others are convinced the minister’s views – along with those of the Conservative government itself – have evolved over the years. …Go to article.