Cabinet, Mi’kmaq Chiefs Hold Annual Meeting

Provincial cabinet ministers and Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq Chiefs met in Halifax today, May 22, to discuss social and justice issues, education and culture, as well as land and natural resources.

“This meeting is demonstration of the nation-to-nation relationship that we have built with the provincial government,” said Chief Terrance Paul, co-chair of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs.

“It is important for both sides to come together to discuss issues of priorities for everyone living in this province.”

“Our relationship with the Mi’kmaq is critical to the future of our province,” said Premier Stephen McNeil, who is also Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “This annual meeting is an opportunity for us to sit together and work to ensure a vibrant and prosperous Nova Scotia for all.”

It was the sixth annual meeting of the assembly and the provincial cabinet to review progress and set priorities. The meeting helps guide ongoing discussions on a variety of issues, including governance and the economy.

Government is engaged with the Mi’kmaq in a number of processes, including the Made-in-Nova Scotia Process, the Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum and the Terms of Reference for a Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Process.

BROADCAST USE:

     Provincial cabinet ministers and Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq

Chiefs met in Halifax today (May 22nd), to discuss social and

justice issues, education and culture, as well as land and

natural resources.

     Premier Stephen McNeil, who is also Minister of Aboriginal

Affairs, says the relationship with the Mi’kmaq is critical to

the future of the province.

     Chief Terrance Paul, co-chair of the Assembly of Nova

Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs, said it is important for both sides to

come together to discuss issues of priority for everyone living

in this province.

     The assembly and provincial cabinet meet annually to review

progress and priorities.

Source: Release