Pankiw Announces Return To Politics

Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 13:47

A controversial figure in Saskatchewan politics is back.

Jim Pankiw has announced his intentions to run in the next federal election.

The former Alliance MP says he will run in the riding of Saskatoon-Humboldt as an independent.

Pankiw is well known for his outspoken views on government policies concerning First Nations and Metis citizens.

A few years ago, he sent pamphlets to voters in his riding which said “Stop Indian Crime” and “Who Are The Terrorists?”.

A human rights complaint was filed against Pankiw, but he ended up winning the case.

For years he has also taken issue with taxpayer dollars being used to support initiatives like Aboriginal education and social development.

At a press conference in Saskatoon this morning, he repeated those views saying racial ancestry shouldn’t be used to determine status.

He also went a bit farther saying he believes First Nations chiefs are racist because they wear headdresses.

Pankiw says he intends to get his message out through the Internet because he doesn’t trust the media.