Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, Liberal MP Todd Russell (far left), Liberal MP Larry Bagnell, and The Honourable Nick Sibbeston, (far right) with the Gwich'in Tribal Council in Inuvik, NWT. Photo: Matt Stickney
Talk about a busy 24 hours!
Arriving in Inuvik shortly after 5 pm on Wednesday (following a 9 hour flight from Ottawa, three connecting flights, and a 3 hour charter) Michael Ignatieff really made the most of Northwest Territories leg of the Liberal Express.
With barely time to stretch their legs Michael, as well Senator Nick Sibbiston, MPs Larry Bagnell and Todd Russell, and I were whisked from the airport to a meeting with Gwich’in Vice President Mary Ann Ross, Herb Blake and Wanda McDonald. Michael came to hear what leaders had to say and the Gwich’in representatives were very well prepared. In a matter of a half hour they eloquently and passionately told him about the importance of the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline, about the stalled self government negotiations, about the effects of climate change, and many other issues so critical to Northern Canadians.
The chance to shake off the last of the travel (and finally stretch) came at the Midnight Sun Recreational Complex’s “Meet and Greet”. After all, what’s a stop on the Liberal Express without some dancing! Not able to resist an invitation from the Delta Drummers and Dancers Michael showed that with a just a bit of practice he could keep up with the troop.
After introductions by Fred Carmichael, Mayor Rodgers, and Inuvialuit Regional Corporation President Nellie Cournoyea Michael gave a brief but passionate speech that really resonated with those gathered at the rec centre. Michael said that “…the North is not a stage for Southerners to live out their fantasies but is a home for the people who have lived there for millennia and for those who have more recently moved there. Northerners must be included in all decision making.”
After a quick meeting with IRC President Nellie Cournoyea, Board member Dwayne Smith and COO Rodger Connelly it was wheels up and back to Yellowknife where we arrived at about midnight.
We started today with an early meeting with Dene National Chief Bill Erasmus, and a stop at the Yellowknife Visitors Center. It was another great opportunity to meet with local residents and hear their concerns and interests. Then we were off to a luncheon with the Chamber of Commerce where Michael extended an invitation he delivered across the country. “Come into the big red tent” he said “where our objective is to include all people, and not to drive wedges between interest groups”.
-Joe
Joe Handley is the Liberal candidate for Western Arctic and the former Premier for the Northwest Territories.
