The B.C. government faced intense criticism Friday for vetoing plans to appoint former Liberal cabinet minister George Abbott as chief of the B.C. Treaty Commission.
The First Nations Summit said it was “taken aback and seriously disappointed” by the last-minute cabinet decision, while NDP Leader John Horgan accused Premier Christy Clark of “absolute pettiness” and urged her to change course.
The criticism followed a scathing release from current chief commissioner Sophie Pierre, who blasted government for quashing Abbott’s appointment just two weeks before he was set to begin work on April 1.
“George Abbott is a man of integrity, intelligence and extensive experience who would have benefited the treaty process, First Nations and all British Columbians,” Pierre said.
“This retraction of the chief commissioner selection after months of agreement, expectation and reliance by the other parties raises questions about B.C.’s commitment to the treaty negotiation process.”
She added: “This is not how to effect reconciliation.”
Abbott said Friday that he was offered the job last September by Aboriginal Relations Minister John Rustad. Abbott was in transition meetings with Pierre this week when Rustad called to say cabinet had nixed the appointment.
Abbott said the news was “shocking and distressing and disappointing.” He asked for an explanation, but was told the discussions were protected by cabinet confidentiality.
“I know probably less than you do about why the decision was made,” he said. “It may have been about process. It may have been about me.”
Abbott said he hopes the fact he ran against Clark for the Liberal leadership had nothing to do with it, “because that’s a piece of history now. … But one never knows. Some people have extraordinarily long memories in politics. Others do not.
“I guess what we know is: I didn’t secure the support of cabinet. So, obviously, not everyone was thrilled with my candidacy. Why? I don’t know.”
Rustad was unavailable for comment on Friday.
The First Nations Summit said the cabinet decision disregarded six months of discussions, and ignored a recent chiefs’ resolution formally appointing Abbott.
“I really don’t know what Mr. Abbott feels like today or yesterday, but I think it’s not very gracious to put him out in a place like that,” said Grand Chief Edward John.
“He was anticipating that he would take over by the end of this month and now it puts him out in a difficult situation.
“I’m sure it says a lot about government commitment, and agreements that are reached, that they simply can just disregard them.”
Horgan said Abbott had the NDP’s full support in the position. “George called me last fall when he had been approached and asked what was the view of the Opposition,” Horgan said. “I said at the time, and I said last night when I talked to him, ‘You have my unqualified support.’ ”
Horgan said the fact that Abbott even called the Opposition speaks to his belief in bringing people together. “I believe that his character and his integrity are beyond reproach and I was delighted he was going to accept the position.”
He said cabinet’s decision to “torpedo” Abbott will set back the process by months.
“If the premier wanted George Abbott to be the commissioner, he would be the commissioner today,” Horgan said.
“The fact that he’s not speaks, in my mind, to absolute pettiness by someone who should know better.”
