Duncan quits as federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister
Federal Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister John Duncan has resigned from cabinet for writing an inappropriate letter.
In a statement, Duncan said he wrote a character reference letter to the Tax Court of Canada on behalf of someone his office was assisting on a tax matter.
"While the letter was written with honourable intentions, I realize that it was not appropriate for me, as a Minister of the Crown, to write to the Tax Court," he said.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and the consequences they have brought."
Duncan said he has every confidence the government will reach its goal of improving the lives of aboriginal peoples across the country.
He will remain as Conservative MP for Vancouver Island-North.
"I would like to thank Mr. Duncan for his many contributions as Minister and for his service to the people of Canada," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Friday in accepting his resignation.
Canadian heritage and official languages minister James Moore is to serve as acting aboriginal affairs minister until a replacement is named.
More to come
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