Unfortunately, Maurice Vellacott is my Member of Parliament.

Aboriginal leaders cool to Vellacott nomination

Last Updated Apr 19 2006 10:51 AM CDT
CBC News

Aboriginal leaders say Saskatoon MP Maurice Vellacott may not be the best person to lead the Commons aboriginal affairs committee.

Vellacott, the Conservative MP for Saskatoon-Wanuskewin, said in a news release Tuesday he is the prime minister's choice to lead the committee.

In Saskatchewan, the nomination is being met with skepticism and concern.

Vellacott, an evangelical pastor with strong views in opposition to abortion [and same-sex marriage], has always been an outspoken member of Parliament.

He angered aboriginal leaders two years ago when he came out in support of two police officers convicted of unlawful confinement after dropping a native man on the outskirts of the city.

Vellacott wasn't speaking with reporters Tuesday, but some aboriginal leaders were expressing their concerns.

"We wonder what kind of message this government, this new government is sending to us having seen the history of the person that's been nominated," said Alphonse Bird, chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.

"Mr. Vellacott has been very outspoken but not necessarily in favour of aboriginal issues," said Métis National Council president Clem Chartier.

When questioned by reporters Tuesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper did not specifically discuss the Vellacott nomination, but he defended his right to hand pick MPs to chair Commons committees. Harper said he doesn't want Conservatives fighting amongst themselves.