Mi’kmaq M.P. Jaime Battiste, the first Indigenous candidate in a national leadership race has dropped out and is endorsing Mark Carney for the Liberal Party of Canada Leadership.
Battiste’s announcement comes just one week after declaring his intention to run.
In a statement released Thursday, he thanks all who supported him.
“Over the last several weeks, this campaign has made Canadian history by having the first Indigenous Candidate for Liberal Party of Canada Leadership. I am proud that I was able to pave the way for future generations to continue the momentum forward,” Battiste says in the statement.
“When I began this journey, it was not only to make history again, but to ensure that key and important priorities were at the forefront of this leadership race,” writes Battiste, calling the experience the most rewarding of his political life.
Battiste notes he believes the best way to advance the priorities he campaigned on-of reconciliation, protecting the environment, and closing the gap between rich and poor, would be to throw his support behind Carney.
“My fight is not over – it is only just beginning. I am excited to work with Mark, I am excited for the next chapter of this leadership race, and I am excited that as Canadians we get to stand together to pick the next Liberal Leader and Prime Minister,” he says in his statement.
Battiste did not give a reason for dropping out, but Thursday was an important deadline, requiring all candidates who intend to run to make a non-refundable $50, 000 deposit.