Alberta AFN Chief congratulates Prime Minister Designate Justin Trudeau

October 22, 2015, Maskwacis, AB: “I would like to congratulate Prime Minister designate Justin Trudeau for leading the liberal party to victory in Canada’s 2015 Election, and look forward to the promise of a ‘nation to nation’ relationship between First Nations and the government of Canada,” said Craig Makinaw, Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief for Alberta.

“The prime minister designate has made many commitments to First Nations during the election campaign period, including significant investments in education and re-opening discussions on the Kelowna Accord, and I am hopeful the new government will work in partnership with First Nations to address our priorities in a timely manner,” said Regional Chief.

Some of the liberal election promises to First Nations include: A national inquiry into the high number of missing and murdered Indigenous women; Implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations; Addressing First Nations health issues; Safe drinking water; and a review of legislation that impacts on Aboriginal Peoples to ensure constitutionally protected Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and the principles of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are upheld.

“I would like to acknowledge the ten Aboriginal candidates that have been successful in the federal election, and thank the First Nations people for voting in record numbers, proving quite rightly that our votes matter,” concluded Makinaw.

Craig Makinaw is the elected Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Regional Chief for Alberta. Craig is the former Chief and longtime member of Council for Ermineskin Cree Nation, and former Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations.