Indigenous issues in spotlight

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This article was published 16/09/2019 (2357 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Federal election candidates had their feet held to the fire on issues of national importance at a Winnipeg town hall event organized by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs on Monday night.

The town hall followed an open question-and-answer format and was attended by five candidates in the federal election: Liberal Dan Vandal (Saint Boniface-Saint Vital); Conservative Cyara Bird (Churchill-Keewatinook Aski); New Democrat Kyle Mason (Winnipeg North); Green James Beddome (Winnipeg South Centre); and Independent Kathy Doyle.

All of the candidates are running in Manitoba ridings in the federal election scheduled for Oct. 21.

The AMC organized the event to allow Indigenous constituents — from Winnipeg and around the province — the opportunity to directly question candidates. The event was also live-streamed on social media.

St. Vital MP Dan Vandal, who is seeking re-election, said there’s a need to organize more events specifically geared toward getting Indigenous Peoples involved in Canada’s political process.

“It’s very important. If you’ll notice, there were quite a few young people out here tonight. It’s important to, first of all, talk about the issues, to get each party’s perspective on the issues and to get more people involved and understanding those issues,” Vandal said.

AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas was not present at the event. The agency said it would issue a press release with written quotes from Dumas on Monday night, but it was not released prior to deadline.

The town hall was held at the RBC Convention Centre, with roughly 60 people in attendance.

The event is part of the AMC’s “I’m First Nations and I Vote” campaign.

There will be a second town hall Thursday in Thompson, followed by two more next month.

The AMC invited each federal party leader to attend the town hall. However, the leaders instead chose to authorize Manitoba candidates to speak on behalf of the parties.

Questions from the floor touched upon many issues, including gun violence, climate change, the suicide crisis in some Indigenous communities and the Liberal government’s decision to revoke the First Nations Financial Transparency Act.

Vandal said he appreciates the opportunity to face constituents one-on-one and answer for his — and his government’s — record in office.

“It’s a way to put elected officials on the spot to answer very difficult questions. I’m the first to say we’re making progress, but there’s lots of work to do,” Vandal said.

Security for the event was organized by the Bear Clan Patrol and free transportation for women was provided by Ikwe Safe Rides.

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe