Indian Affairs Minister subjected to jeers and boos (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Indian Affairs Minister subjected to jeers and boos

December 6, 2006 - by Joseph Quesnel
http://www.firstperspective.ca/fp_template.php?path=20061206boos

Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice had to endure a barrage of jeers
and boos as he tried to deliver an address to Aboriginal protesters on
Parliament Hill yesterday.

The group assembled in Ottawa to protest cuts to Aboriginal programs,
particularly to First Nation language preservation.

Minister Prentice was the only federal minister who braved the cold and
came out to address the protesters.

In one media account, Prentice was shouted down with cries of "liar" and
"shame" when he tried to inform the crowd that Indian Affairs was not
responsible for the $160 million cut to Aboriginal language programs.
This money was cut by Canadian Heritage, he said, pointing out that it
has been replaced by a a more predictable and permanent $5 million year
for seven years.

Despite being drowned out by the shouts, Prentice tried to argue that
the Conservative government has provided more funds for Aboriginal
issues than any previous government.