Darrel Burnouf. (Submitted photo)

By Nigel Maxwell

Election

MN-S V.P. candidate focused on economic development, language rights, and social issues

May 15, 2021 | 10:00 AM

The Métis-Nation Saskatchewan election is now two weeks away, and a candidate with connections to Beauval and Saskatoon says he wants to be a part of positive change.

Darrel Burnouf is one of five candidates running for vice-president. He said he felt compelled to run after seeing the struggles faced by Métis communities with respect to addictions, suicide, and unemployment.

“The list goes on so you know we need our nation to heal. We need to provide hope and opportunities for the nation,” he said.

Burnouf has a background in economic development and business relations and since 2008 been worked primarily in the mining industry. He’s also done some work with the University of Saskatchewan. If elected he said one of his priorities would be developing and implementing a post pandemic recovery plan.

“In terms of commerce, social health support, program and service delivery, and even work place skills sets. That’s gonna change coming out of this pandemic. You know it’s going to shift,” he said.

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A program promoting the use of the Michif language in schools is being expanded across the province. Burnouf, a fluent Michif speaker, said Métis rights needs to be a priority for every candidate in this election, adding those rights include the right to practice language.

Recognizing Métis communities in the province vary in needs and even resources, Burnouf promised to work hard to empower people in the communities through consultation. He explained there is a need to bring up everyone up to the same level.

“Some locals are ahead of others and they have a governance system locally and that works well and they deliver programs and services but not everyone does that,” he said.

The election is May 29.

The other vice-president candidates are Michell Leclair, Darren Deschambeault, Dale McAuley, and Gerald Morin.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell