Cumberland House Man Thinking Of Replacing Merasty

Cumberland House Man Thinking Of Replacing Merasty

Monday, July 16, 2007 at 15:06

 

 

The chief of a fledgling northern Saskatchewan First Nation has announced his interest in taking over from outgoing Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River Member of Parliament Gary Merasty.

 

Chief John Dorion of the John Cochrane First Nation near Cumberland House is a long-time Liberal who recently finished a three-year term on the National Parole Board.

 

Dorion says he will give the idea of jumping into federal politics “some serious thought over the next couple of weeks”.

 

He also says he doesn’t feel Merasty’s sudden resignation will affect the Liberals’ chances in the riding when voters next head to the polls.

 

Dorion believes it’s the Conservatives who should be on the defensive for their performance on Aboriginal issues since they came to power.

 

Merasty announced last week that he will be resigning at the end of August to seek an opportunity in the private sector and stay closer to his family.

 

Dorion is the first person to publicly express an interest in taking over Merasty’s seat as MP.

 

The John Cochrane First Nation has been actively trying to be reinstated by the government after being phased out of existence several decades ago.