Here is the second part of The Reminder’s interview with Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River MP Rob Clarke.
REMINDER: If Stephen Harper allotted $100 million for Creighton and Denare Beach tomorrow, how would you like to see it spent?
CLARKE: In the 2013 federal budget the Harper government announced the 10-year, $53-billion New Building Canada Plan and part of this new program is the Small Communities Fund that will provide $1 billion for projects in municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents.
It is not up to me to decide what projects should be the priority of any community. I believe these decisions are best left to the local municipal or First Nations governments.
I will be happy to work with any community in my riding to promote any projects they wish to apply for funding under this infrastructure plan.
REMINDER: Many Aboriginal people believe racism is a significant problem in Canada. As an Aboriginal man, do you frequently encounter prejudice?
CLARKE: Unfortunately, we all suffer from some people’s perceptions. It is common with many racial or cultural communities that everyone gets tainted with the actions of a very few.
That said, I don’t believe that prejudice has affected my life.
In college I was elected by my fellow students as their vice-president of the student association.
I was able to move up the ranks of the RCMP to become a sergeant, and have been elected to the House of Commons three times.
I believe that the more people get involved in their community and take responsibility for themselves, the less likely it is that some people’s narrow-minded prejudices will affect them.
REMINDER: Many right-leaning folks believe they do not get a fair shake from the news media. Do journalists treat you fairly?
CLARKE: For the most part my dealings with the media have been fair. I believe that if you treat people with respect, you will be respected in return.
I realize that journalists have a job to do, and most are fair and reasonable at presenting the facts they have available to them.
