1. What do you feel are your qualifications for federal office?
I have proven experience. For the last 22 years, I have been both the Chief and a councillor at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. Together, we’ve had great successes and have faced many challenges.
I will work hard on the issues that matter to people here, from access to housing, mental health supports, health care, education, housing, treaty and Aboriginal rights as well as economic development and job creation.
2. What is your plan for the future of Flin Flon’s economy? What role will industry/mining play in that plan? The Liberals have a positive plan for real change and have always put the needs of middleclass Canadians first. Four years in, the Liberal government has created good jobs, we are giving more money to more than 10,680 families right here in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River through the Canada Child Benefit and are building more affordable housing, investing in skills training to provide new opportunities for our youth and have raised taxes on the wealthiest one percent, while lowering them for the middle class.
3. What have been the main issues you’ve heard from people in this riding?
Access to housing comes up from community to community. The Liberal party is committed to building more affordable housing through Canada’s first ever National Housing Strategy.
4. What measures to benefit northern Saskatchewan and Flin Flon would you wish to add to a federal budget?
We must continue closing the gap with better services for Indigenous peoples. While the Liberal government made progress together with Indigenous peoples, more work needs to be done to build on the investments we’ve made and keep moving this relationship – and our country – forward.
5. What is your plan regarding northern health care, specifically with local health care? What role can the federal government play in health issues?
This is one of the reasons why I want to be your Member of Parliament. It has always been a passion of mine to enhance mental health services and build more capacity to address these issues in the north.
We’ve seen an expansion of mental wellness teams and an announcement for a $16.1 million health and wellness centre for the north and there is more to do and I am committed to tackling these issues.
6. What are your main concerns regarding environmental conservation? Do you support a carbon tax?
The science is clear, the evidence is clear and Canadians are clear—we must step up and protect our environment. Our kids and grandkids are counting on us.
A Liberal government will work to achieve the ambitious goal of reaching net emissions by 2050.
7. Where do you stand on immigration to Canada? What impact do you think immigration could have for the north?
People come to Canada seeking a better life for themselves and their families – and of the people who welcomed them. Together, we have helped to grow our economy, build strong communities, create good jobs and make Canada the best place in the world to call home. The Liberal party will continue to welcome more people to Canada, with a focus on attracting highly skilled workers.
8. What is your stance on electoral reform? Would changing Canada’s electoral system be a priority for you?
The Liberal government strongly believes in the role of Parliament and in public consultation in examining the issue of electoral reform. That’s why the Liberal government engaged in an unprecedented dialogue with Canadians about our democracy.
There is no clear consensus on an alternative voting system for Canada. It became evident that the broad support needed among Canadians for a change of this magnitude does not exist.
9. What measures would you propose to help remote Indigenous communities?
To help close the gaps in services Indigenous peoples face, a re-elected Liberal government will:
· make sure First Nations and Métis peoples have high quality, culturally relevant health care and mental health services, and ensure communities control what these services look like, by working together to create Indigenous health care legislation:
· work with First Nations and Métis peoples to close the gap in infrastructure – like all-weather roads, health centres, and schools, and invest in other priorities identified by communities.
10. How do you feel about negative campaigning? Would you consider you and/or your party to be running a clean campaign? What about your opponents?
I have nothing but respect for my opponents. I am happy to say that I feel each campaign is being run positively and we are having respectful dialogue on the various issues that matter to the people of the north.
11. What policy or practice do you disagree with your party on and why? Would you consider breaking rank with the party on that issue?
It’s important to be part of a caucus where colleagues can discuss the various issues impacting their constituencies, so together, we are able to build the best policies to positively impact all Canadians.
12. In 30 words or less - What is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
I live to serve. I have deep roots here and understand the issues people face day to day. With my leadership, I will deliver real results for families here.
13. What question do you wish we would have asked?
What’s your favourite memory growing up on the trapline?
