Liberal leader Justin Trudeau says his government would hold an inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women, implement all of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee and increase funding for First Nations education.
He made the commitment during a quick campaign stop at the Regina’s Farmer’s Market Wednesday morning where he also said he is ready to lead the country.
“I am not the only choice, but I am determined to prove to you that I am the best choice to replace Stephen Harper,” he said.
Trudeau is the first of the federal party leaders to make a campaign stop in Saskatchewan. He spent most of his speech talking about tax policies and how a Liberal government would increase taxes on the very rich to improve the lives of the lower and middle class.
He also says he is prepared to take decisive action to improve economic and education conditions for Canada’s aboriginal community.
“It is obvious that there is a deep and profound injustice in Canada right now where First Nations children do not have the same level of investment, they don’t have parity in terms of what we invest their education,” he said.
Trudeau says the injustices faced by Canada’s aboriginal communities go back a long time, but he says correcting them is what is needed to protect Canada’s future.
“When we look at the number of young people in aboriginal communities across this country we know that preparing them to be successful and achieve their potential is not just about their success, but it’s all about Canada’s success,” he said.
Trudeau has about a dozen aboriginal and First Nation candidates running for the party, but he is behind in fielding a full slate of candidates in Saskatchewan.
The party has yet to nominate candidates in five of the 14 ridings. Regina-Wascana MP Ralph Goodale is the only Liberal Member of Parliament in Saskatchewan. The other 13 ridings are held by the Conservatives.
Political scientists are predicting up to seven seats could change hands after the October 19 vote. The Liberals’ greatest chances are in Saskatoon and the northern riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River.
Liberal leader Trudeau will spend the afternoon in La Ronge before heading to Meadow Lake Wednesday night.