George Abbott New BC Treaty Chief

0:00George Abbott, a former British Columbia Cabinet Minister, just got bumped up to Chief Commissioner of the BC Treaty Commission. That's the independent group that helps negotiate treaties between First Nations, the Provinces, and the Federal Government. He's starting a three-year term right away. Abbott already served as one of the commissioners for two years, so this promotion makes sense after more than a year on the job. He represented the shoe swap riding as an MLA for 17 years, starting back in 1996, and handled key portfolios like Indigenous. Relations and health. He's stepping in for Celeste Halden, whose third term wraps up this Saturday. She joined as a Commissioner in 2011 and became Chief in 2017, pushing hard for better recognition of Indigenous rights and fresh, reconciliation deals. Under her watch, three communities ratified treaties last year. The Kiyomaks, Kitselas, and Kitsum Kalum First Nations marking some real progress in the game, talks.

1:00This appointment came through consensus with the First Nations Summit passing a resolution first, followed by approvals from the Provinces and the Summit, Ottawa still finalizing its sign-off, keeping the momentum alive for those ongoing negotiations. Local news, powered by AI, this is Canada News Today. I'm Corey with the Story.