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OTTAWA — Nova Scotia MP Jaime Battiste introduced Monday that he desires to grow to be the Liberal Get together of Canada’s subsequent chief and the nation’s first Indigenous prime minister.
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The MP for Sydney-Victoria in Cape Breton was first elected in 2019 and says he’s been receiving an “outpouring of help” from Indigenous leaders and different Canadians encouraging him to run for the occasion’s management.
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“I’ve heard your voice, and along with your assist, I’m ,” Battiste mentioned in an announcement on Fb.
“I’m laying the groundwork for an exploratory crew that may search to launch the primary marketing campaign by an Indigenous candidate for the management of the Liberal Get together of Canada, and to be the following Prime Minister of Canada.”
Battiste was the primary Mi’kmaw particular person elected to the Home of Commons and has served as chair of the Liberal Indigenous caucus for the previous a number of years.
Most lately, he has advocated for the Home of Commons to cross a authorities invoice meant to make sure First Nations have clear consuming water, which has been a signature pledge of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s authorities since he swept to energy in 2015.
Battiste discovered himself on the receiving finish of criticism for a remark he made final summer season suggesting these residing in Atlantic Canada, the place the Liberals have been badly trailing the Opposition Conservatives, have been “EI sort of of us.” He later he mentioned his feedback have been “misinterpreted.”
As an MP who has had a comparatively low profile amongst Canadians and Liberals, Battiste says he is aware of the problem that lies earlier than him, with the deadline for candidates to register set for January 23.
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Neither he nor his workplace have returned a request for remark.
The occasion has set the doorway charge for candidates at $350,000, which might be paid in installments. Officers haven’t introduced the particular dates of when the money shall be due, with spokesman Parker Lund saying it will be decided by a committee.
Battiste mentioned in his assertion he is aware of his plan is “bold.”
“I’m totally conscious of the complexity of elevating $350,000 over the following 12 days.”
“Nevertheless,” he provides, “I do have a plan. However earlier than I discuss concerning the how — I wish to discuss concerning the why.”
He went on to ask potential supporters to register and contemplate supporting his marketing campaign, evoking the names of previous and present leaders who made historical past themselves.
“Earlier than there was a (Manitoba) Premier Wab Kinew, there needed to be an Elijah Harper. Earlier than there was a President Barack Obama, there needed to be a Jesse Jackson,” Battiste mentioned.
“There should all the time be individuals prepared to attempt, and there should all the time be individuals prepared to take the primary steps — even when their journey is one meant to pave the wave for future generations.”
Since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced his resignation final Monday, Indigenous leaders have thanked him for his dedication to reconciliation and urged Liberal management hopefuls to prioritize it.
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