Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh (The Canadian Press)

By Derek Craddock

SINGH IN SASK.

Jagmeet Singh visits Wahpeton Dakota Nation, hears from Indigenous leaders

May 24, 2023 | 6:05 PM

The leader of the federal NDP has heard from First Nations leaders in Saskatchewan and wants them to know his party is listening to their greatest needs.

Jagmeet Singh was in North Battleford Wednesday afternoon speaking to the FSIN Assembly. He also visited Wahpeton Dakota Nation near Prince Albert to hear from residents about what they need, particularly in the community school.

“I try my best to get out to different communities across the country to understand the challenges that Indigenous communities are facing and that communities, in general, are facing,” he said in an interview with paNOW. “So, part of my tour is to check out the First Nation school there and to look at the infrastructure and see what we can do to make it better.”

While in North Battleford, he heard from various First Nations leaders on issues such as reconciliation, mental wellness, housing options, and economic development.

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He said the latter is something he and the NDP have been striving for years, adding Indigenous communities need to benefit from economic prosperity as much as the rest of Canada.

“We see in projects that benefit the billionaires (they) don’t actually give good jobs for everyday families and I want to see that change,” he said. “Indigenous communities have solutions, and they need a partner that’s willing to work with them and I believe the federal government can be that partner.”

While Singh is visiting Saskatchewan, his counterparts in Ottawa are involved in a different debate regarding allegations of foreign interference in federal elections.

Former Governor General David Johnston was appointed by the Prime Minister to investigate whether a public inquiry into the issue was needed. His report earlier this week stated a public inquiry was not the right course of action but rather hearings on the matter need to take place.

That decision frustrated the federal Conservatives who continue to demand a public inquiry with leader Pierre Poillievre putting the onus on Singh to push for one.

Singh noted he has wanted an inquiry from day one.

“New Democrats have been leading the charge with respect to the situation,” he said. “The Liberals are not taking the allegations of foreign interference seriously. The Conservatives, frankly, think it is a game. The Conservative leader refused to meet with the special rapporteur.”

Singh added he will have a conversation with Trudeau about the matter and will use all legislative tools available to push for an inquiry, though he did not say what those tools are.

-With files from The Canadian Press