Indigenous Affairs Department Split into Two Portfolio's

Monday, 28 August 2017 15:10

Former Health Minister Jane Philpot takes over Indigenous Services

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Indigenous Affairs file is being restructured and will be led by two ministers instead of one as the government works to dissolve its department all together.

Carolyn Bennett, who has been in charge of the Indigenous Affairs Department since the fall of 2015, will now work alongside former health minister Jane Philpott.

Bennett has been charged with focusing on the Crown's relationship with Indigenous Peoples - a key priority for Trudeau's government since coming to power.

Philpott will deal with Indigenous services.

Trudeau says today's decision recognizes that current government structures are no longer adequate, adding a new approach will allow the government to do more to advance priorities for Indigenous Peoples.

The government says dissolving the current Indigenous Affairs Department will require legislation and it is also taking steps toward ending the Indian Act - a widely criticized statute passed in 1876.

(The Canadian Press)

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