Kenora MP appointed to INAC secretary post

News — 01 February 2011

Kenora riding MP, Greg Rickford, received word of a job change on Sunday, Jan. 30. Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the local representative would be taking over the position of Parliamentary Secretary of Indian and Northern Affairs.

“There are a critical mass of First Nations communities in the riding, and we’ve worked really hard and effectively with them,” said Rickford. “Anything I can do to continue that great work, I think this will certainly be beneficial.”

Rickford’s job will entail representation of the department at parliamentary committee standing committee meetings and the MP will take the lead on behalf of the minister, our government’s interests and the work done at committee.

Some of the major initiatives Rickford will be undertaking with his department are the Northern Nutrition Program, child and family services, as well as renewed relationships with communities and provincial territorial organizations for Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Several First Nations communities have already made their opinions known on the change of representation, including Grand Chief Diane Kelly of Grand Council Treaty #3. She states, “I was pleased that Greg Rickford was chosen to serve in the capacity of Parliamentary Secretary for Indian Affairs because of his passion and commitment to practical and real solutions for northern First Nations and in particular, to the economy of northwestern Ontario.”

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy also commented on his acceptance of Rickford’s placement, hoping that Rickford will continue his advocacy for northern Ontario and the issues NAN communities are facing.

The MP and former nurse in First Nations Communitiies spent the first two years of his parliamentary life on the Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Standing Committee and has a great professional relationship with Minister John Duncan.

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