Statement by the Assembly of First Nations on Inquiry into Bruce Carson

March 17, 2011

Mr. Bruce Carson is known to the Assembly of First Nations and National Chief through their role on the Specific Claims Tribunal Task Force that was set-up under AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine and Prime Minister Stephen Harper beginning in 2007.  At the time, National Chief Atleo was the AFN Regional Chief for British Columbia and Bruce Carson was in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Upon learning of the RCMP investigation yesterday into Mr. Carson’s activities as well as media reports that Mr. Carson misrepresented himself and a company as being supported or endorsed by the AFN, the AFN wants to be very clear that there was no professional or business arrangement between Mr. Carson and the AFN or National Chief; and further that the AFN and National Chief did not endorse, promote or support any product, service or company with which Mr. Carson is or was involved. In fact, the AFN became aware in October 2010 that Mr. Carson and his representatives were making claims to that affect and we moved immediately to make him and his colleagues stop.  We considered the matter closed.  We do not have any information on the reasons for the current inquiry but are concerned about the emerging reports of the conduct of Mr. Carson.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada.



Contact information:
 
Don Kelly, Assembly of First Nations A/Communications Director
613-241-6789 ext. 334 or cell: 613-292-2787 or e-mail dkelly@afn.ca

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer
613-241-6789, ext 401 or cell: 613-314-8157 or e-mail jyoung@afn.ca