We can mobilize’: First Nations voters will be key part of election, says Perry Bellegarde – Calgary Herald

October 14, 2015

First Nations leaders say indigenous Canadians are engaged with the federal election, and that could have consequences for the federal Conservatives.

Speaking in Calgary on Tuesday, Assembly of First Nations grand chief Perry Bellegarde said he will work with whatever government is elected on Oct. 19, but the status quo on policies can’t be maintained.

Addressing a Treaty 7 education conference, Bellegarde said the key issue for the next government is helping to close the gap in quality of life between aboriginal Canadians and the rest of the country.

“We need a better relationship with government, with the prime minister and cabinet,” Bellegarde told reporters following his speech at the Coast Plaza Hotel.

Read More: http://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/we-can-mobilize-first-nations-voters-will-be-key-part-of-election-says-perry-bellegarde