Wilson-Raybould ready for change

For years Jody Wilson-Raybould (Puglaas) felt Indigenous people were being ignored by Canada — so she became part of the federal government.

The former B.C. Assembly of First Nations regional chief was elected on Oct. 19 as a Liberal Member of Parliament under Justin Trudeau, who handpicked her as a candidate in the new Vancouver-Granville riding.

She is B.C.’s first First Nations woman MP, according to Grand Chief Edward John, and one of a record 10 Indigenous MPs elected across the country.

She is also part of the Liberal wave that swept across Canada, handily outnumbering the Conservatives and defeating longtime Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Wilson-Raybould won approximately 44 per cent of her riding’s vote despite a Leadnow strategic voting campaign encouraged left-leaning voters to opt for her NDP competitor Mira Oreck.

After her win, Wilson-Raybould told a room of cheering Liberal supporters that she believes real change can happen.

“We did something amazing right across this country,” she said.

“We can and must do better.”

Wilson-Raybould’s campaign involved promises to focus on housing affordability, transit, healthcare and balancing environmental protection with economic growth.

Three days before she was elected, she stood on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery with current B.C. AFN Regional Chief Shane Gottfriedson at a Rock the Indigenous Vote rally, promising that the Liberals would “fundamentally transform this country.”

Gottfriedson later released a statement congratulating his predecessor.

“I congratulate the Liberal party and former B.C. regional chief Jody Wilson-Raybould on their stunning victory,” he said.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs also released a statement commending Wilson-Raybould, saying she “won the respect of many with her strong resolve and we look forward to working with her as a likely and essential member of Cabinet.”