Harrison Receives Sharp Rebuke From FSIN Chief

Harrison Receives Sharp Rebuke From FSIN Chief

Thursday, January 26, 2006 at 15:21

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is demanding an apology from defeated northern MP Jeremy Harrison.

The Conservative candidate is blaming his tight election loss to the Liberals’ Gary Merasty on irregularities at polling stations across the northern riding, particularly on First Nations reserves.

The Ahtahkakoop First Nation has been singled out because it was the poll that put Merasty over the top at the very end of the election night vote count.

Harrison says he’s received numerous reports of allegations of ballot-box stuffing and intimidation or bribing of voters, calling the situation something that only takes place in a “banana republic”.

FSIN chief Alphonse Bird says he is outraged by Harrison’s comments, and is calling on Harrison to apologize.

Bird is also critical of NDP candidate Anita Jackson, who is calling for an investigation into the alleged irregularities, as well.

Jackson is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.