On September 5, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced two part-time and three full-time appointments to the National Parole Board, including one who previously worked as regional coordinator of the Cree Police. Jacques Letendre of Waltham, Quebec was appointed a part-time member to the NPB and comes to it with over 29 years of experience in law enforcement with the Surete du Quebec.
Letendre has also work as the NPB’s Director of Professional Ethics and has also previously served as the Chief of Aboriginal Community Services.
New Truth and Reconciliation Commission Director
After firing the interim executive director who the Assembly of First Nations originally picked to head up the Indian Residential Schools Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Aboriginal leaders are raising questions about the new executive director.
Aideen Nabigon, a federal government bureaucrat who previously worked on issues arising from the legacy of Indian residential schools, has replaced Bob Watts, the former chief of staff to the national chief of the AFN.
Though Watts hails from the Mohawk and Ojibway Nations in Ontario, Nabigon has only treaty status.
The Union of B.C. Chiefs has already expressed their concerns since they feel that the executive director of the commission should not be a federal appointee.
At the same time, AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine has spoken out about federal interference in the commission.
According to the CBC, TRC Chief Commissioner Harry LaForme said that he should have the independence to hire the person he thinks is best for the job.
