Mi’kmaq MP Jaime Battiste says he’s ready to take a run at the Liberal leadership and has the money and signatures to join the race.
“Today I’m grateful to announce that I sent in my application and all of the requirements to run for the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and to be the first Indigenous person ever to run for the Prime Minister of Canada,” Battiste told a gathering of Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey chiefs from across Atlantic Canada Thursday.
Battiste’s announcement in Halifax came hours before the 5 p.m. eastern deadline for applications. He submitted the required 300 signatures along with a $50,000 deposit.
Chief Leroy Denny of Eskasoni, who hosted the event, said Battiste has the experience to lead the country.
“His background is education, in law, and as a Parlimentary secretary,” Leroy said. “He has the tools. He has everything in his toolbox to make sure he can also run this country like any other party leaders that are running for the bid, which I respect them all.”
Battiste is from Eskasoni, a Mi’kmaq community on Cape Breton.
Terry Paul, chief of Membertou First Nation, also on Cape Breton, said Battiste can ensure Indigenous rights will be heard at a federal level.
“We have certain rights here and of course Jaime has the mind of working with the whole country, which is fantastic and that he should be running for Prime Minister,” Paul said. “But my support comes from our need to have our rights recognized by the federal government.”
Battiste becomes the first Indigenous politician to run for prime minister by putting his name forward.
He’s also the first Mi’kmaw person elected to Parliament.
Battiste said if elected prime minister, he will work to ensure key legislation will move forward.
“There are fundamental pieces not just to Indigenous communities like the ability to have their own watersheds protected, the ability to have child and family services money flow to our communities,” he said. “We need to give ourselves that ability to move forward on these and get to royal ascent because they are going to be crucial to so many people across this country.”
Battiste is still fundraising. He needs to submit a total of $350,000 in four installments before Feb. 17.
There are six people in the leadership race including high-profile candidates Mark Carney and Chystia Freeland.
A new leader will be chosen on March 9.
