FSIN Chief Weighs In On Clarke’s By-Election Win

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 16:30

 

 

The chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations says he will be watching closely to see what kind of difference a First Nations MP will have in the Conservative caucus.

 

Lawrence Joseph is congratulating Muskeg Lake band member Rob Clarke for his by-election win in northern Saskatchewan Monday night.

 

But Joseph says Clarke will be under a lot of pressure to lobby the Tory government on issues that matter to Aboriginal people.

 

He also wonders if it’s such a wise idea to have one MP represent a large riding that’s split on what its priorities are –- Aboriginal concerns and rural issues.

 

Joseph says he’s also concerned about reports that several voters in remote parts of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River were turned away from polling stations because of a lack of identification.