Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam MP James Moore will take over as acting Minister of Aboriginal Affairs after minister John Duncan resigned on Friday.
Moore, who already serves in cabinet as the minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, will oversee the additional responsibilities until a new minister can be named, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's office.
In a press release, Duncan admitted to writing a character reference letter to the Tax Court of Canada on behalf of someone who was being assisted by his constituency staff on a a Canada Revenue Agency matter.
"While the letter was written with honorable intentions, I realize that it was not appropriate for me, as a Minister of the Crown, to write to the Tax Court," he said. "I have therefore offered my resignation as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development to the Prime Minister, which he has accepted. I take full responsibility for my actions and the consequences they have brought."
Duncan will continue to serve as MP for Vancouver Island North.
