Majority of Aboriginal candidates run under NDP banner

Of seven Indigenous candidates running for Alberta seats in the House of Commons, six are representing the New Democratic Party. The Liberals have one lone candidate, while neither the Conservatives nor the Greens have an Aboriginal
representative.

“We’re all running for the right party,” said Melody Lepine, the NDP candidate in Fort McMurray-Cold Lake. “This is a good indication at how much First Nations are likely going to support the NDP. The NDP definitely has a strong platform in
addressing a lot of issues and matters that are a concern not only to First Nations and Aboriginal people, but to Canadians in general.”

Garry Parenteau, the sole Liberal in Alberta, is seeking a seat in the new Lakeland riding. He admits his party is not well-represented but says even a single candidate is a “very good start. It’s building blocks. I’m always up for a challenge and as a Metis person and candidate, I’m up for that challenge and I’ll put my best foot forward.”

While Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde has expressed disappointment in the numerous leadership debates that have yet to include any significant discussions about Aboriginal issues, party leaders Liberal Justin Trudeau and NPD Thomas Mulcair have made campaign announcements on First Nations education, convening an inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women, affordable housing, and funding for child welfare on reserve.

Katherine Swampy, the NDP candidate in Battle River-Crowfoot, says one reason she was attracted to the NDP was its wider outlook on Aboriginal issues.

“(They’re) asking me what the First Nations issues are. Not just the murdered and missing Indigenous women inquiry, but other issues like poverty, affordable housing, or the housing crisis that we have right now, youth suicide, job creation education. There’s so many, it’s hard to narrow it down,” she said.

Cameron Alexis said he was sold on the NDP because of the party’s opposition to Bill C-51, the government’s anti-terrorism act. The bill calls into question the ability of people to gather and protest or demonstrate, a practise that has
gained ground with Indigenous peoples as seen through the Idle No More movement. The Liberals supported the bill, which Trudeau now says he would have handled differently. The New Democrats have committed to repealing C-51 if they form the next government, while the Liberals say they will amend it.

Fritz Bitz, who is running in Edmonton-Westaskiwin, says her research of party platforms led her to the NDP.

“I can speak and be true to myself and my people within this organization… I imagine that’s why Aboriginal people are picking the NDP… It’s not surprising to me when you think of world view and basic ethics and so on, they mesh,” she said.

NDP candidate Aaron Paquette, who is campaigning for a seat in Edmonton-Manning, says the “thousands and thousands” of people he has spoken to are telling him change is needed.

“They’re tired of Stephen Harper. They’re tired of his politics of division, especially when it comes to racial issues or cultural issues, and they want a change. And they don’t feel that the Liberals are that change,” he said.

In looking for change, NDP Lakeland candidate Duane Zaraska is not concerned left-leaning voters will split between his party and the Liberals. Lakeland is the only riding that has two Aboriginal candidates, with Zaraska and Liberal Parenteau going toe-to-toe.

“Because people want change I’m thinking positive, I’m being very optimistic, maybe cautiously optimistic, I guess. I’m thinking the other way around. I think the Conservatives and Liberals might split the vote and NDP will get in there,” he said.

In the 2011 federal election, Alberta had five Aboriginal
candidates – three NDP, one Liberal and one Green - running in 28 electoral districts. None were successful. The redrawing of boundaries increased Alberta’s ridings to 34.

Voters go to the polls on Oct. 19.