Wasylycia-Leis would create task force for aboriginal issues

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This article was published 12/09/2014 (4367 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Mayoral candidate Judy Wasylycia-Leis said she will create a task force to tackle aboriginal issues in Winnipeg.

The round table would focus on social enterprise training and jobs, recreation services, the police board’s pledge to work on the issue of missing and murdered women and affordable housing, typically a provincial job.

The first step will be a formal accord with indigenous leaders and local groups similar to one in Thompson.

As part of Friday’s announcement at Thunderbird House, the former NDP MP also restated a pledge to spend $100,000 to establish a 24-hour rec centre for youth in the North End.

Wasylycia-Leis said she would co-chair the round table herself along with a senior local indigenous leader.

“If I’m elected, I’m committed to building a new relationship between city hall and Winnipeg’s aboriginal citizens,” said Wasylycia-Leis.

She said the round table will build on the city’s existing aboriginal youth strategy and the aboriginal relations division. But those are relatively new.

“The city has been virtually absent on this front,” said Wasylycia-Leis.

Some of the pledges will cost money, but Wasylycia-Leis said it’s too early to put a dollar figure on things like job training or action on violence against indigenous women.