New Minister knowledgeable on Native issues

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Ottawa will be ready to implement every Native program outlined in the Liberal campaign policy guide if the money exists to do so, the newly appointed Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development said.

"It's fairly extensive," said Ron Irwin. "Everything from post-secondary education, the Aboriginal claims, Jean (Chretien) wants them done with dignity and he wants them done quickly...I think it's my job to make sure that everything in that platform is ready and if the money's there we should go with it."

The Liberals will also recognize Native self-government and Aboriginal rights because they are already in the constitution, he said.

"The Prime Minister's position (is) to not go back and say we"re going to redo the constitution. He wants to get on with solving the problems with constitution with the Native community."

This is Irwin's first Cabinet appointment. The 57-year-old was a one-time parliamentary secretary to Chretien and also served as an MP between 1980 and 1984. He was also the first Liberal to call for Chretien to replace former Liberal leader John Turner.

First Nations leaders in Irwin's home riding of Sault Sainte Marie said the new appointee has potential as Indian Affairs Minister because he has a a fair understanding of Native issues. Irwin's law firm has also done some work with the Friendship Centre in the Sault.

"You don't have to explain C-31...or what's in the constitution or the Native treaties process, " he said. "I've worked for First Nations, for Metis. I've done co-management models, I've done justice models."Bill C-31 was a problem for many First Nations communities when it was introduced in April, 1985 because of the severe housing shortage, he said.

"Housing is a major problem, I'm interested in using Natives in the housing program, where there could be training.

Too few government programs geared towards the First Nations, such as housing or education, actually include Natives as working participants, he said.

"We built a bridge up our way at Guard River. This one bothers me. We built a bridge on a reserve and there were only two Natives on the whole project. I don't think that's right."

Reaction from Native leaders to the new Minister was mixed. Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Phil Fontaine, said the assembly was happy with the appointment.

"Our first bit of advice for Mr. Irwin is for him to take a very close look at his bureaucracy and begin to make major changes starting with the Deputy Minister and working his way down,"he said.

The AMC expects Irwin to carry out promises made by the Liberals during the campaign, including dismantling Indian Affairs, recognizing Natives' inherent right to self-government and removing funding caps on post-secondary education.

But appointing a non-Native to head Indian Affairs was a major "disappointment", said Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Ovide Mercredi.

"The government had a real opportunity to include First Nations, and Aboriginal peoples generally, in the decision-making process," he said. "The lack of consultation shows a lack of respect (for) the spirit of the campaign commitments.

As with the Manitoba chiefs, the AFN plans to work closely with the new government to ensure that the Liberals follow through on their Native policies outlined in their campaign policy document.