POLITICS
COVER
Metis
Artist An Old Soul
BIOGRAPHY
Gino
Odjick Looks To Golf As A New Career
BOOKS
Native
Teen Coming-of-Age Tale
Historical
Pictorial Shows Effects of Commerce on Nation
BUSINESS
Business
and First Nations Team up for Green Energy
Nisga'a
Nation Manages Salmon With Tradition and Technology
Joint
Ventures Key to Haisla Plan for the Future
Westbank
Building Self-Government and Strong Relations
CRIME
Cree Family Accuses Judge of Racism
EDUCATION
UWO
Native Studies Centre hosts Ward Churchill
HUMOUR
Bee
in the Bonnet: Aren't You Special
POLITICS
Robert
Nault Will Not Seek Re-Election
Robert
Nault Will Not Seek Re-Election
By
Joseph O'Conner
When Paul Martin assembled his new cabinet in January, Robert Nault was
not reinstated as minister for INAC. In the period Nault was in office
he was often under attack from Native councils, it was a tenuous relationship
that didn't improve when Phil Fontaine was elected as head of the A.F.N
last July.
The new Prime Minister wanted a clean agenda, most of all he wanted a
fresh start with native leaders across the country and to show he meant
it, Robert Nault was given the boot.
Paul Martin stated in his throne speech that, "Aboriginal Canadians
have not fully shared in our nation's good fortune. While some progress
has been made, the condition for far too many Aboriginal communities can
only be described as shameful. This offends our values. It is in our collective
interest to turn the corner. And we must start now."
Robert Nault couldn't have been very happy with the Prime Minister's decision
but it didn't mean the end of his political career; or perhaps it did.
In February AFN Ontario Regional Vice-Chief Charles Fox announced he would
run for the Liberal nomination in Nault's riding.
"Under the leadership of Paul Martin, Canadians have been told they
will have a voice in the development of a new Canada,"' Fox said
from his home Eagle Lake First Nation. "With your support, I can
ensure that the Kenora-Rainy River Riding is a resounding part of that
voice."
Nault says no
For
Nault this was the last straw. He announced his withdrawal from the election
and threw a parting dagger at Fox. "It's not about winning or losing;
I don't see Mr. Fox as a credible candidate to start off with."
If he's not credible why did Nault roll over before the first salvo? Nault's
double talk, which he cultivated during his tenure as minister, comes
off sounding more like sour grapes than anything else. He has represented
the riding since 1988 and according to Liberal insiders
Nault has an "intimidating knowledge of local, regional and national
party organizations, election tactics and resources."
Which means nothing if Martin doesn't like you, if Fox can secure the
Aboriginal vote and win over the white voters, it could spell a new era
in Native politics.
"This is not a native platform. It is one that affects all of the
people of this riding, and by bridging the cultural gap between natives
and non-natives, we can build an economy that will benefit all cultures
resulting in a stronger future for youth. This riding has the tools to
improve its quality of life for generations to come.''
Charles Fox has an impressive record for standing up for land claims and
native rights. His agenda, if elected, would be developing partnerships
with business and government in order to improve the local economy. "While
Canadians have been told they will all have a voice in the development
of a new Canada, that has not traditionally been the case of the north.
There is a unique way of life for all people in this region; one that
has not been considered when it came to legislation concerning the gun
registry, tourism, health care and wildlife management, to name a few,
but our voice was simply not heard."
There may be obstacles to overcome, but if Charles Fox is elected in the
coming federal election, he may be the man who makes sure the First Nation's
voice is heard loud and clear.