Indigenous Affairs Department Split into Two Portfolio's

Monday, 28 August 2017 15:10

Former Health Minister Jane Philpot takes over Indigenous Services

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Indigenous Affairs file is being restructured and will be led by two ministers instead of one as the government works to dissolve its department all together.

Carolyn Bennett, who has been in charge of the Indigenous Affairs Department since the fall of 2015, will now work alongside former health minister Jane Philpott.

Bennett has been charged with focusing on the Crown's relationship with Indigenous Peoples - a key priority for Trudeau's government since coming to power.

Philpott will deal with Indigenous services.

Trudeau says today's decision recognizes that current government structures are no longer adequate, adding a new approach will allow the government to do more to advance priorities for Indigenous Peoples.

The government says dissolving the current Indigenous Affairs Department will require legislation and it is also taking steps toward ending the Indian Act - a widely criticized statute passed in 1876.

(The Canadian Press)

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Independent review panel publishes first status report in Department of Education review

First Nations School Board and former educator share their thoughts on the findings.
ATCO Electric Yukon Gets $7.5M to Fix Billing Issues with Smart Meters

The utility acknowledged it has faced issues with inaccurate meter readings since 2023, leading to widespread estimated billing and unexpectedly high charges for Yukoners, especially during extreme cold when meters were inaccessible.
Yukon NDP calls on Yukon government to investigate electricity billing concerns

“Yukoners deserve affordable, accurate, and fair electricity bills, an investigation is needed to make sure that billing is exactly that.” -Yukon NDP Leader Kate White
Youth investment fund supports 13 community projects across Yukon

Initiatives include youth leadership training, substance use prevention, peer mentoring, and recreation programs.
FNNND challenges Mayo Dam spillway project over treaty and fish passage concerns

The First Nation contends the current emergency is self-created and is being used to bypass Nation-to-Nation obligations under the Final Agreement and UNDRIP.
First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports

The companies combined their efforts after several of them received requests from the school to cover a sports funding shortfall. The donation also helps teams travel.
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said it has not consented to any sale or restart and has no agreements with any party
BC man convicted of manslaughter

The Crown submitted that Primozic died as a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up

Priority 1 trails are normally cleared as close to the surface as possible.
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts

The RCMP says the updates improve comfort and fit for officerswhile keeping them recognizable
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard

Draft maps for Dawson and the Klondike Valley were available for review from August 12 to September 10, 2025.
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse

The inquest aims to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding Roux’s death
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding

In addition to the funding for municipalities, up to $88,000 is allocated annually to the Association of Yukon Communities for professional development opportunities.
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents

The program is designed to support families struggling with winter electricity bills and is replacing previous rebate programs.
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory

The decision to approve the mine represents both a severe and unjustified infringement of its constitutionally protected Kaska Aboriginal Title and Rights
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'

Chief Russell Blackjack emphasizes that no mining activity will be tolerated in this area
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary

The Government accepts full responsibility for the harm caused and apologizes to the affected children and their families.
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government

The Whistle Bend Neighbourhood Active Transportation Connector project will receive over $8.7 million to build 5.5km of multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes, connecting downtown Whitehorse to Whistle Bend
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic

The clinic, located at 106 Lambert Street, will utilize the existing River Valley Medical Clinic space and serve approximately 2,000 new patients over the next two years.
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP

He was last seen near the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse on March 31, 2026, wearing blue jeans, a winter jacket, and glasses.

Indigenous Affairs Department Split into Two Portfolio's

Share

More from CHON-FM Northern News