Orchard Seeks Liberal Nomination In The North

Monday, November 19, 2007 at 13:45

 

 

David Orchard has formally announced his plans to run for the Liberal nomination in the vacant Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding.

 

The long-time political activist made it official at a Liberal function this past weekend in La Ronge.

 

Orchard says he’s eligible to run in the riding because he owns farm property in Choiceland, in the southern edge of the vast constituency.

 

He also says he was first approached by the Liberals to run for them in 2005 — but the nomination in the northern riding had already been handed to ex-MP Gary Merasty.

 

Orchard says he’s anxious to fight the Conservative government, which he accuses of “kicking the Aboriginal people”.

 

Another man seeking the Liberal nomination, Cumberland House native John Dorion, says northern residents don’t know Orchard — and they only vote for candidates they know.

 

With the resignation of Merasty, a by-election is due to be held in Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River between now and February.

 

No date has been set for the Liberal nomination.