Coast Salish Traditional Territory/ Vancouver, B.C. – The First Nations Leadership Council is looking to establish a constructive working relationship with Prime Minister elect Stephen Harper in the wake of a Conservative minority victory. In a letter sent today the Leadership Council congratulated Mr. Harper and requested a meeting during his first official visit to British Columbia as Prime Minister.
“For now, we must put aside our concerns and work to establish a new relationship of trust and cooperation with the Prime Minister and his new government,” said Shawn Atleo, BC Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. “We have our priority issues and are confident once we have had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Harper, we will reach a mutual understanding of the required actions on key Aboriginal issues.”
The letter also encouraged the Prime Minister-elect and his minority government to work collectively with the other federal parties to ensure Aboriginal issues are given the high priority and attention they deserve.