Local artist and educator Will Morin is running for the First Peoples Party of Canada in the Sudbury riding in the federal election.
They ran five candidates in 2006 in various places across the country.
“I am running to get the word out about the concerns of native people,” said Morin at a press conference Wednesday, at the offices of the Aboriginal Peoples' Alliance of Northern Ontario, 66 Elm Street.
In the last election, Morin ran in the Algoma-Manitoulin riding where he picked up 400 votes. This time, he hopes to make more of an electoral impact since he lives and works in Greater Sudbury.
Morin was on the past executive of the Sudbury Arts Council for many years and has been an outspoken advocate for local artists.
Morin is doing a doctorate in social studies at Laurentian University while helping raise his young family with his wife, Robin Wemigwans.
He has taught college and university, was nominated twice for a community builder's award and was a medical assistant during the first Gulf War.
“My ancestry is from the Island so that is why I ran there last time. I will continue to spread the word about the party there but now in this riding too.”
Morin said he presents aboriginal values as an election plank. That means the way he electioneers will be different.
“I do not plan on knocking on peoples' doors. That can be seen as being intrusive, not a native value. Instead, I will invite people to visit and talk at the campaign office here at the Aboriginal People's Alliance of Northern Ontario, 66 Elm Street, and at the events we hold.”
The candidate speaks much about the fact that native people, First Nations, Inuit and Metis, traditionally have lower voter turnout because they do not feel represented by the current political system.
“Up until 1960, aboriginal people were not allowed to vote. They continue to be skeptical of the political system and feel left out.”
When aboriginals, especially older people, do vote, that makes it all worth while, said Morin.
“I know people who voted for last time who never voted before. That was very satisfying to me personally.”
The main mandate of the party is to promote growth, represent the grassroots to encourage participation in our Canadian political process, create effective social programs and to respect the spiritual and cultural values of all, he said.
Morin is not fazed by the fact only seven candidates may represent the party this election.
“If you look at the history of the Greens, even the NDP, at the start they too had few candidates. They grew very slowly at first.”
Despite having few candidates, Morin felt the party should be represented in the upcoming televised debates.
“To deny the voters public exposure of all options in this election demonstrates the bias in our political process. More importantly, to exclude a political party that represents and reflects the values of our First Peoples only confirms the colonial nature still present in Canadian politics.”
Morin also expects he will be able to participate in any all candidates debates held in the city over the next few weeks.
“Not to include my party in any debates would reinforce the notion we have the political system is not as inclusive as it should be.”
