Liberals Under Fire Over Beatty Appointment

Liberals Under Fire Over Beatty Appointment

Monday, January 07, 2008 at 16:11

 

 

A number of Aboriginal leaders are upset the Liberals have chosen to appoint their candidate in the upcoming by-election in northern Saskatchewan.

 

Former Metis Nation of Saskatchewan president Jimmy Durocher and at least three northern Saskatchewan First Nations chiefs were prepared to back David Orchard in a nomination process.

 

But a Liberal senator says he’s confident Joan Beatty will make an ideal candidate for the party in the upcoming by-election.

 

David Smith says it was her glowing credentials and political experience that prompted Liberal Leader Stephane Dion to cancel the nomination process and appoint her directly.

 

He adds her gender was a consideration, as well — noting Dion is making a concerted push to have women make up at least one-third of Liberal MPs.

 

Smith says he hopes Cumberland House native John Dorion, who was also running for the position, understands.

 

The Liberal senator also says he has great respect for Orchard.

 

Smith says he knows the move has raised eyebrows, but he insists it couldn’t be helped due to the timing of recent political events.

 

He hopes everyone associated with the Liberal nomination will put their differences aside and back Beatty.