Aboriginal voters could sway 51 ridings in election: AFN chief – Global News

October 16, 2015

SASKATOON – Aboriginal voters could sway as many as 51 ridings across the country in the federal election. Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde made the pronouncement while speaking Thursday in Saskatoon.

Bellegarde said up until this point in the campaign, First Nations issues and priorities haven’t been a major focus. He said the key in this election is closing the gap between the quality of life of indigenous people and the rest of Canadians.

“We need to bring about change because if we don’t do that, the MPs, potential members of parliament, potential prime ministers, don’t care about First Nations issues because they don’t vote, they don’t help us get elected so that’s not a priority for us’ and we don’t want that happening anymore,” said Bellegarde, who was speaking at a justice conference.

Read More: http://globalnews.ca/news/2280693/aboriginal-voters-could-sway-51-ridings-in-election-afn-chief/