Mi’kmaw MP Jaime Battiste says he’s putting together an exploratory committee to help him prepare a bid to become the first Indigenous prime minister – but first, he’ll have to raise a large sum of money in a short time.
The federal Liberals are running their first leadership race in more than a decade to replace the departing Justin Trudeau. Candidates must declare by Jan. 23 and pay a $350,000 fee to enter the race. That means Battiste will have to raise the money in the next 12 days, which he admitted would be an “ambitious” and “complex” challenge, in a statement released Monday.
The Cape Breton MP and chair of the Liberal Indigenous caucus became the first Mi’kmaw lawmaker elected to Parliament in 2019, and says he is ready to “make history once again.”
”Before there was a Premier Wab Kinew, there had to be an Elijah Harper. Before there was a President Barack Obama, there had to be a Jesse Jackson. There must always be people willing to try, and there must always be people willing to take the first steps, even if their journey is one meant to pave the way for future generations,” he said in his statement.
— Jaime Battiste (@JaimeBattiste) January 13, 2025
Battiste said his view for Canada will prioritize protecting human rights, reconciliation and environmental sustainability for future generations. He said he would support policies such as the National School Food Program, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, Pharmacare, affordable child care and comprehensive housing support.
He also thanked Trudeau for inspiring him to run for office in 2019, and “for believing there was a place for a Mi’kmaq living on reserve on his team.”
Battiste said he believes the Liberal government and Trudeau made significant progress during those years in Parliament, building a Canada that cares for human rights, reconciliation and protecting the environment.
The winner of the leadership race will be named on March 9.
Other Candidates who have declared they will run include:
Chandra Arya who was first elected as an MP in an Ottawa suburb in 2015. Arya said he does not believe he needs to speak French to become prime minister. He came out against Trudeau’s carbon pricing system and wants to abolish the monarchy.
Frank Baylis who is a former Montreal Liberal MP and businessman. Baylis ran in 2015 under the Liberal banner but chose not to run in 2019. He sold his company Baylis Medical Company Inc. to Boston Scientific Corporation in 2022 for $1.75 billion.
Others who are considering a run, but who have not formally declared include:
Christy Clark, who was the premier of B.C. from 2011 to 2017.
Chrystia Freeland, the former finance minister, who had a falling out with Trudeau in December and quit cabinet when faced with being reassigned.
Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England is widely expected to announce his decision on a leadership bid this week.
Karina Gould, who was first elected in 2015 and later became the leader of the Government in the House of Commons, is credited for getting the national child care program over the finish line.
Jonathan Wilkinson, the energy minister, from B.C. who was a clean tech CEO before running for office. He has played a big part in driving the Liberals’ climate policies He has said he is taking his decision over with family and trying to determine whether he has enough support to enter the race competitively.
François-Philippe Champagne, the industry minister has signalled his interest in the job but has said he’s still thinking it over.
