Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Big News from Saskatchewan and Orchard

Update: Hello readers of SDA. I see you!

Media release
Wednesday, May 21, 2008


David Orchard to run for the Liberal nomination in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River

"Following an extensive period of consultation across the riding, I have decided to put my name forward as a candidate for the Liberal Party nomination in the northern Saskatchewan riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River.

As part of the Liberal team, I will offer my energy and experience to work for an alternative vision for the riding and the country to that put forward by Stephen Harper’s government. If selected, I intend to speak for Metis, First Nations and non-aboriginal alike. Mine will be a fighting voice for. everyone — the Meadow Lake farmer, the daycare worker in Sandy Bay, the student in Pinehouse, the trappers in Cumberland House, or the fishermen and women in Wollaston Lake. It is my hope to also be a voice for understanding across the cultural and racial divide in this far-flung riding, which covers over half of Saskatchewan.

I pledge my strengths to the battle for justice and fair play for a region in Canada that has not seen enough of either.

I am a fourth generation farmer who knows agricultural issues in my bones. As a teenager I drove a tractor in farm protests. In 1975, our farm made the transition to 100% organic production. In 1995, I ripped up the Crow benefit cheque for $15,000 for my farm at a press conference, because I believed that the Crow rate, guaranteed to farmers in perpetuity, was not for sale.

I have spent thousand of hours in the battle for First Nations and Metis rights. In the 1980s, I was part of the effort (successful) to save the historic bullet scarred boards on the front of the rectory at Batoche. In the 1990s, I stood with the Elders and protesters at Canoe Lake, was arrested and jailed with them, in the battle for environmental protection and for a fair return to First Nations for their forest resources.

Throughout my adult life I have worked to protect our country’s sovereignty and the environment upon which we all depend for our survival.

In the weeks ahead, I will continue to travel from farm to farm, town to town and First Nation to First Nation across the north to speak, to learn and to listen.

I will ask for support from across the riding and in turn will continue to give my all, whether on the national stage or on one in Pelican Narrows or Ile-a-La-Crosse, for a better, stronger, fairer Canada for all of its citizens, regardless of race, colour, occupation or background."

8 comments:

WesternGrit said...

Interesting.

James Curran said...

And exciting!

A Eliz. said...

I like Orchard, although some Libral bloggers, cannot stand him. He is better than the clueless on the Con. side. He could do a great deal for the country, if given a chance.

James Curran said...

Those bloggers should get over it. The status quo of Liberals in Sask hasn't worked in decades. Time for something completely different.

Unknown said...

James,

I think you meant to say "The Status Quo of Liberals... hasn't worked in decades." No need to specify Saskatchewan.

Cheers,
Jon

James Curran said...

NO Jon. Sask has been underachieving for the Liberal Party for decades. We should be carrying more than one seat in that province. Never mind the total destruction of the provincial Liberals in the last election.

lance said...

Uh huh James. The Libs are decimated here with a regularity that makes Ex-Lax jealous and you're blaming the people.

Here's a hint, it isn't the messenger.

Mr. Orchard has nothing to do with a "new" Liberal party in Saskatchewan.

He simply takes his place after Mr. Goodale and Mr. Merchant. "New" would be participating in the Liberal Renewal Workshop on the 31st.

But that's a radical thought, far too radical for established Liberals.

Cheers,
lance

James Curran said...

Really. Like all the workshops I attended prior to our last convention? You know, the ones where we were the BIG TENT party and that's why guys like Rae and Dosanjh fit well with us.

Party renewal means including those that may have a different view of the world we live in. That includes David Orchard.