Scott named Indian Affairs minister

Andy Scott, member of Parliament for Fredericton-York-Sudbury in New Brunswick, is the new federal minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and federal interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

Scott, who was named to Prime Minister Paul Martin’s cabinet on Tuesday, replaces Andy Mitchell, an MP from central Ontario.

Mitchell, who was named as INAC minister only last winter, now goes to the agriculture portfolio.

Scott was first elected as an MP in 1993. Before running for office, he served as executive director of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, senior policy advisor to N.B. Premier Frank McKenna, assistant deputy minister in the province’s Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, and director of Official Languages.

After his re-election in 1997, Scott was sworn in as Solicitor General, but he resigned in 1999 after he was overheard discussing government business in an airplane. He has served on several House of Commons’ Standing Committees including Health and Canadian Heritage. He has also served as chair of the justice and human rights standing committee.

Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell was not reappointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources.

Ethel Blondin-Andrew, MP for Western Arctic, was appointed minister of state for northern development.

“I am pleased to welcome Ethel back as part of our team,” said Martin. “With her deep knowledge of the North, our deliberations are broadened by the perspectives Ethel brings to cabinet discussions.”

There was a delay in Blondin-Andrew’s appointment pending the result of a judicial recount following the federal election on June 28. The application has since been withdrawn.