'We all stand with her': Yukon AFN chief on Wilson-Raybould

The Yukon regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations says former justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould's resistance to intense political pressure speaks volumes about her character.

Kluane AdamekcallsWilson-Rayboulda "phenomenal leader"who is inspiring Indigenous people across the country.

"The leadership that she has shown as a woman, as an Indigenous woman, as a former attorney general you know, there probably aren't words todescribehow truly remarkable she is, continues to be, and the work that she's done," Adamek said.

"We all stand with her and continue to support her."

Adamekbelieves Wilson-Raybould is forcing change at the highest levels of power.

"What Jody showedand what I believe, and what I've heard other leaders speak out about is that we need a fundamental change, and this includes a deep structural change right across government and law."

She alsosays Wilson-Raybould's integrity and leadership areexamples of what Indigenous people can share with the country. And she agrees with Wilson-Raybould's comments to the justice committee this week, that Canada hasn't always upheld the rule of law relating to Indigenous people.

Meanwhile, the Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations,Peter Johnston, has not weighed in on Wilson-Raybould and the SNC-Lavalinaffair. Johnston has not responded to requests for comment.

'A class act, all the way through'

The former attorney general is also gettingfull marks for her professional approach, from the presidentof the Canadian Bar Association. Ray Adlington was in Whitehorse this week for an awards ceremony by the Yukon Bar Association.

Adlingtonsaid he admires how Wilson-Raybould conducts herself, in particular her adherence to professional standards of client-solicitor privilege.

Politicians aren't subject to the same ethical guidelines as are lawyers.- Ray Adlington, president of Canadian Bar Association

"What particularly impressed me was her sticking to the decision that she made in the first instance, and not bowing to any pressure that was placed upon her to change her decision," Adlingtonsaid.

"Also what impressed me was her ability to accept the change in cabinet position without disclosing any privileged information about what had gone on. Definitely a class act, all the way through."

Adlington says the independence of the attorney general's office is one of the cornerstones of the Canadian justice system.

He adds that Wilson-Raybould demonstrated ethics and honour innot being swayed by "circumstances such as the national economic interest," indeciding not to interfere in decisions made bythe director of public prosecutions.

He says Wilson-Raybouldis a role model for all lawyers.

Adlingtonalso says lawyers, by dint of their professional oath,are subject to higher professional and ethical standards than politicians.

"Politicians aren't subject to the same ethical guidelines as are lawyers in conducting their duties, andas the attorney general is, in conducting his or her duties from time to time. So the standards are different."