Minister refuses to meet chiefs until they drop their threats to the economy

OTTAWA – Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt is refusing to meet a group of “rogue chiefs” until they drop their threat to cripple the Canadian economy.

Valcourt, who made the remarks in question period today, was referring to the Confederacy of Nations — a governing body within the Assembly of First Nations that, until this week, had been dormant for a decade.

The group says the Conservative government does not adequately consult First Nations before it passes legislation, and it has reportedly threatened to target the economy.

The confederacy, made up of chiefs from every region of the country, is in Ottawa this week to discuss the Conservative government’s proposed changes to First Nations education.

Valcourt has put those changes on hold until the Assembly of First Nations clarifies its position.

Earlier this month, Shawn Atleo abruptly quit as the assembly’s national chief after he lost the support of regional chiefs and faced the humiliating prospect of a vote to relieve him of his duties.