OTTAWA – Politics – Updated – John Duncan has resigned as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has accepted the resignation. 

Duncan out as Aboriginal Affairs Minister

The Prime Minister, in a statement issued this afternoon says, “Today, I have accepted the resignation of John Duncan as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. I would like to thank Mr. Duncan for his many contributions as Minister and for his service to the people of Canada. Mr. Duncan will continue to serve as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North in the House of Commons”.

The former Minister stated that he resigned over a letter he sent to the Tax Court for a constituent. 

Duncan stated, “In June of 2011 I wrote a character reference letter to the Tax Court of Canada on behalf of an individual to whom my constituency staff was providing casework assistance on a Canada Revenue Agency matter”.

“I have every confidence that the government will reach its goal of improving the lives of Aboriginal peoples across our country,” said Duncan. “I pledge that I will continue to work hard on behalf of the constituents of Vancouver Island North as their elected representative in Ottawa.”

James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, will serve as the acting Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development until a new Minister is named.

John Duncan, in many circles in the Aboriginal community has come under fire for his handling of the portfolio. 

There is no word if Kenora MP and Parliamentary Secretary for the Aboriginal Affairs portfolio Greg Rickford will be asked to step up to serve as the incoming Minister.