The Director of VIU’s Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation says the fact that the new Liberal cabinet includes two high-profile indigenous ministers is a major step forward.
Nunavut’s Hunter Tootoo has been named Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. Jody Wilson-Raybould, former Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has been appointed as Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
Doug White says Wilson-Raybould’s appointment is historic in terms of what it says about the different path Canada’s now on.
He says Wilson-Raybould and the other cabinet ministers will wield significant influence.
White says he also expects to see a big shift in the focus of the Attorney General’s Office.
Trudeau’s new cabinet features an equal number of men and women, including three MPs from BC. When asked why gender parity was a priority, Trudeau’s answer was simple: “Because it’s 2015.”
