MP charges MLA with treaty tampering
Jul, 12 2007 - 11:10 PM

DELTA/CKNW(AM980) - A Conservative MP is calling for the resignation of BC Aboriginal Relations Minister Mike de Jong over a taxpayer-funded trip to the Nass Valley for 100 members of two first nations groups set to vote on key treaty deals.

Delta-Richmond east MP John Cummins says the 150-thousand dollar trip to show members of the Tsawwassen and Maa N’ulth First Nations the benefits of the Nisga’a Treaty amounts to manipulation of the upcoming vote and says de Jong should step down, “Well, given his comments that he’s prepared to manipulate or attempt to manipulate the outcome of this Referendum, I think that’s totally inappropriate behaviour for a Cabinet Minister and I think that, yeah, he should be gone.”

But Tsawwassen Band Chief Kim Baird says the trip is only about informing members before the treaty vote later this month.

Mike de Jong was unavailable for comment.