The chief of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is running as the Liberal candidate for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing riding in next month’s federal election. Duke Peltier believes that if he’s elected he can play a key role for the government when it comes to the indigenous issues.
“And I think with all of the talks of reconciliation that my voice and my experience is something that would be valued with the siting government,” he said.
Peltier says he’s aware that each first nation has a goal to establish economic activity in their communities.
He adds that it’s been a whirlwind since he was nominated. Peltier says the continued recovery of the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic is one of many issues on his agenda.
“The federal government should be investing in the tourism sector because that’s important to this riding. as well as the investments and supports for the forest industry,” he said.
Peltier says that funding is required to ensure long term viability of the forest sector.
Other candidates vying for the seat of Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing are John Sagman of the Conservatives, NDP-incumbent Carol Hughes and Stephen Zimmerman of the Green Party. The federal election is Monday, September 20th.
Interview with Duke Peltier with Rosalind Russell – CJJM-CKNR Espanola.
