Northern issues highlighted during candidates forum in Prince Albert

The candidates forum was hosted by Prince Albert Grand Council and leaders from various member communities were in attendance. The northern riding, currently held by the Conservatives, is expected to be among the unknowns and potential ridings the Liberal party could win in Saskatchewan. Speaking to the candidates running for the Liberal Party, Conservatives, and the NDP, Cameron reminded them First Nations people have the power to decide the election.

“We’ll be watching if you don’t stand up in the house of comments and say we respect and abide First Nations because they’re the original people of these lands and waters,” he said.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte with Vice Chief Chris Jobb. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte noted there is a dire situation happening in First Nations communities, citing an epidemic with drugs, alcohol and gangs.

“Sadly our young people are passing to the other side because of the challenges that we have,” he said.

The housing crisis was also a big topic during Thursday’s forum and Hardlotte noted the federal government’s previous funding commitments.

“You hear a federal candidate talk about housing, but do they talk about indigenous housing,” he asked, adding he himself has gone to Ottawa many times to address the issue, advocate for the PAGC’s member communities.

“Good meetings but sometimes no action,” he said.

Recently re-elected Sturgeon Lake First Nation Chief Christine Longjohn listens attentively. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook Searson reminded Liberal candidate and former MLA Jim Lemaigre it was in fact First Nations leaders, not the goverment officials, who were successful in having the taxes removed from the cows and plows settlement. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

NDP candidate Doug Racine

With over 20 years experience as a lawyer, Racine previously ran for the NDP in last Fall’s provincial election and noted there are five first nations in the Sask Rivers constituency.

“I undertook to knock on every door,” he told the leaders. “We have a crisis in this country and I want to be part of the solution.”

On the topic of housing, Racine said there are too many federal programs that don’t work, and the cost to northern communities is almost five to ten times higher than their counterparts down south.

“I don’t have to prove that to you. You all live it,” he said.

With respect to the NRTA, Racine said the riding needs someone who is willing to go to Ottawa, “elbows up,” and talk about the damage the agreement has caused.

“If you want a healthy Canada, you need healthy First Nations first.”

With respect to the tariffs, Racine said if you want to fight Donald Trump then invite First Nations because they are the backbone of this country.

Doug Racine. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Conservative candidate Jim Lemaigre

Lemaigre has over two decades of public sector experience, including 14 years as an RCMP officer.

Noting that when he was once called a “sellout” when he joined the mounties, Lemaigre said his brother also questioned his decision to run for the Conservatives – a party Lemaigre feels best aligns with his own ideals and has the best chance to form government.

“Imagine if one of us had a voice there,” he said.

Lemaigre also stated the Conservative platform will empower First Nations to make their own decisions with respect to resources.

“And as an elected official, I can hold the government accountable for a statement like that,” he said.

Following a brief speech from each candidate, members of the audience were provided the opportunity to ask a question and one of the questions posed to Lemaigre, came from a member of a PAGC commitee, exploring the possibility of the PAGC having its own indigenous police force. Dave Sanderson explained one of the hurdles is that the police act does not recognize indigenous policing.

To this remark, Lemaigre said change begins with a good relationship and noting his own political ties, promised to help plant the seed.

“I will go to them and say this is what needs to happen,” he said.

Jim Lemaigre. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Liberal candidate Buckley Belanger

Having served as MLA for eight provincial elections and was also Mayor at Île-à-la-Crosse, Belanger, of the candidates running, has the most political experience.

Citing Liberal party leader Mark Carney’s experience in banking and finance, Belanger said the Liberal party is in the best position to assist First Nations communities with investment opportunities.

“We are all in this together,” he said.

Belanger also used part of his address to attack the Conservative Party and brought up a comment party leader Pierre Poilievre said in June, 2008, stating indigenous people need to know the value of hard work and not rely on compensations.

Belanger also noted the Conservative party, under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, gutted a number of programs that benefitted First Nations people.

“You can’t tell me they’ve change their ways. No bloody way,” he said.

Buckley Belanger. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

Much like Lemaigre, Belanger also said if the Liberal party gets elected, they could have an MP who sits at the cabinet table and push for the changes that are required.

He then cited the possibility of a new healing center at Pelican Narrows or a new arena at Red Earth Cree Nation.

“I don’t have all the answers. I just know what the problems are,” he said.

Green party candidate Jackie Hanson did not attend Thursday’s forum.

The federal election is on April 28.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social

by Nigel Maxwell

Northern issues highlighted during candidates forum in Prince Albert

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