Volume 55 Number 04
Friday, January 30, 2015
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Ashton named aboriginal affairs critic BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
Federal NDP leader Tom Mulcair announced Jan 23. That Churchill MP Niki Ashton will now be the opposition critic for aboriginal affairs. Mylene Freeman has taken over the Status of Women critic position that Ashton previously held. “What I do know, he [Mulcair] knew that this area, the indigenous issues are very important to me and very important to the people of our constituency. He has appreciated the work I have done on various issues including the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women,” says Ashton. Ashton will continue to support women’s rights, and says there is a coalition between her old position and her new one. “For me, believing in gender equality is ongoing, and my belief we have to fight for equality and against discrimination is very important. It will always be part of the work I will be doing from now on. The issue of missing and murdered indigenous women is about racism. It’s also about sexism, and systemic discrimination, so there are a number of parallels.” On Jan. 26 Ashton asked her first questions as aboriginal affairs critic in the House of Commons. She spoke about racism in Winnipeg, and the rest of the country, and how the government will deal with it. Ashton says representing the Churchill riding in Parliament will always remain her number one priority, but she is excited for the overlap because a number of aboriginal affairs issues are relevant in the northern part of the province.
“Working in this critic area is an immense honour, and I’m proud to work with a strong team and the NDP. When people stood up when I asked my question, and I received many positive comments after, reflected that we’re all on the same page in holding the government to account, and calling for action.” Ashton says she will be meeting with leaders and others about aboriginal issues and listening to where they see the priorities being. For her, priorities will include building relationships with aboriginal and Metis communities, pushing for federal action to end racism, and asking for a national inquiry for missing and murdered aboriginal women. “I will continue to be a strong voice in the house for justice, and for action from the federal government.” Ashton says the number one priority has to do with the Harper government, though. “Under the Harper government there is no question that indigenous communities have paid the highest price. We continue to see third world living conditions, chronic underfunding, high levels of poverty, and many missed opportunities.” The MP is excited for the new responsibility and thanks northern people for what she has accomplished so far. “Much of what I’ll do over the next period of time will be shaped by the kind of guidance I’ve received by people at home. By elders, leaders, First Nations, Metis people that live in Northern Manitoba who have helped me become who I am and who I’ve also had the chance to work with and fight alongside with.”
Lighting the way Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Mike Parsons Thompson resident Mike Parsons captured this view of the Odei River bridge on Highway 280 to Split Lake and Gillam on Dec. 26. For more of his images, visit Mike’s Eye Photography on Facebook.