Native Affairs Posting Panned

First Nation leaders are upset with Premier McGuinty's move to combine aboriginal affairs with the attorney general's responsibilities.

Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy says it sends the wrong message to First Nations grappling with high suicide rates, economic hardship and long-standing treaty disputes.

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse says relations with First Nations have improved since the stand-alone ministry was created and the change could derail the efforts.

Attorney General Chris Bentley took over the post Monday during a cabinet shuffle.