Ref. # 2-3585
Ottawa, Ontario (December 5, 2011) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, issued the following statement today:
“Today, the Third Party Manager was in the community with AANDC officials. When he arrived he was asked to leave by community leadership, on behalf of Chief Theresa Spence. The Third Party Manager, Jacques Marion, wished to respect the volatile situation and is currently not in the community. He remains in full control of funding from the Department to the community, and is hoping to work with the community to address urgent needs.
It is extremely worrying that the Chief and council are not open to outside assistance. I met with Chief Theresa Spence, and Grand Chief Stan Louttit and reiterated that our government’s priority is to ensure that residents of Attawapiskat have access to safe, warm, and dry shelter.
I stressed that all parties should put the needs of the people first, and asked that the Chief and Council work with the Third Party Manager to identify the immediate needs of the community. I remain committed to this plan of action.”
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Moira Wolstenholme
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable John Duncan
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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