Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
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The position of Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians was created in 1985 as a portfolio in the Canadian Cabinet. As the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development is officially responsible only for Status Indians and largely with those living on Indian reserves, the new position was created in order provide a liaison between the federal government and Métis and non-status Aboriginal peoples, urban Aboriginals and their representatives. The minister and the Division of the Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians provides facilitation between these groups and a variety of government departments, not just the Department of Indian Affairs.
On February 6, 2006, Conservative Jim Prentice became both Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians in the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Prentice's Liberal predecessor, Andy Scott, was the first person to hold both portfolios simultaneously.
Past federal interlocutors include:
- Denis Coderre (2003-2004)
- Ralph Goodale (1997-2003)
- Anne McLellan (1994-1997)
- Jim Edwards (1993)
