Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan, who once lived in Port Clements, was last week appointed Canada's new Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.Mr. Duncan replaces Chuck Strahl, who became Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities in the small cabinet shuffle.Mr. Duncan was first elected to the House of Commons in 1993. He was born in Winnipeg and raised in BC. He attended UBC and graduated wth a forestry degree in 1972.According to press secretary Michelle Yao, Mr. Duncan was too busy this week for an interview but will be available in the future. Ms Yao said he was very honoured to be appointed Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, and will focus on working with partners, aboriginal leaders and his provincial and territorial counterparst to address issues like education, social and economic development, capacity building and self-government.The First Nations Summit, representing First Nations involved in treaty negotiations in BC, said it welcomed Mr. Duncan's appointment and was pleased that the Indian Affairs portfolio would remain with a representative from this province.