This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Harper’s critics have pointed out that the climate change summit was not the only meeting at the United Nations that was skipped by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, where at least he sent the Conservative government leader, Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq, to speak in his place on climate change. However, when it came to stand for Canada at the first World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, the Premier designated a public servant who just took on the aboriginal affairs file in July, i.e. Deputy Minister Colleen Swords, to represent Canada.
It was further highlighted that three other high-level ministers were made to represent his government at other international meetings in New York as part of the annual week-long United Nations gathering. Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, participated in the global counterterrorism forum ministerial meeting and International Development Minister, Christian Paradis, appeared both at a UNICEF team event and a world school forum. Whereas, Minister of state for foreign affairs (consular services), Lynne Yelich, addressed a special session of the UN general assembly on population and development.
The Grand Chief of the Crees, Matthew Coon Come, alleged to have been “embarrassed” by Canada’s lack of presence at the first World Conference on Indigenous Peoples. He alleged that “to be seen as a leader of the world, you have to be present,” adding that “here we have the world conference on indigenous peoples; the minister did not even go to that, they only sent a deputy minister, that’s very disappointing. It speaks volumes to indigenous community and the international community.”
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