Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan was recently hospitalized due to complications stemming from heart valve surgery, Sun News has learned.
The B.C. minister, who has been an MP for more than 15 years, stepped down a year ago to recover from heart valve surgery but sources say he recently encountered health difficulties from the procedure.
Duncan’s office maintains the minister is “fully engaged on his files” and “continues to advance priorities of the government.”
“Minister Duncan is looking forward to participating in the Crown-First Nations Gathering later this month,” said Duncan’s spokeswoman Michelle Yao.
Government and First Nations leaders are set to sit down on Jan. 24 in Ottawa to discuss key priorities including economic development and education reform.
The housing crisis at Attawapiskat First Nation will also be on the agenda at the upcoming summit. The reserve has been in a state of emergency since October and a government-appointed accountant is now in charge of tackling reserve finances.
Ottawa insiders speculated the Attawapiskat controversy took a toll on Duncan’s health before Christmas, but government sources say whispers of an upcoming cabinet shuffle are simply rumours.
Duncan has also been criticized for his handling of the aboriginal affairs file in recent weeks.
Greg Rickford, the parliamentary secretary to the minister, frequently conducts media interviews on behalf of the government. The Kenora, Ont. MP is perceived to be more media savvy than Duncan.
