Prime Minister appoints Ralph Goodale as Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-status Indians

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources, has been given additional responsibility as Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.

In appointing Mr. Goodale, the Prime Minister noted Minister Goodale's experience in Western Canadian affairs and his appreciation of the needs and views of both Métis and Non-Status Indians. The Federal Interlocutor serves as a first point of contact and facilitator of dialogue between the federal government and Métis and Non-Status Indians, and is responsible for the federal government's participation in tripartite self-government negotiations.

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