Those 'scary Conservatives' ! (en francais)

Another myth put to rest. Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice is taking things one step at a time, moving in accordance with the agreement.

Various native groups have been sounding alarms and raising all sorts of speculation about the "impending doom" sure to befall them if the Conservative government ever assumed the reins of power.

In Minister Prentice I believe we have someone with the potential to effect the most far reaching changes ever on this complex issue of native affairs. The question native leaders must ask themselves now is whether they want to engage in a constructive environment of improvement or continue to hold on to their fantasies of Conservative boogey men.

Final deal to compensate residential schools students reached

SUE BAILEY

OTTAWA (CP) - A final deal has been reached that will offer about $2 billion in compensation and healing programs for former students of native residential schools.

"The government will now immediately consider the settlement agreement and the interim payments and the timing of those payments," Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice said Tuesday in the Commons. The deal must be cleared by cabinet, a formality that's expected within days. It must then be approved by courts in several provinces.