Cape Breton MP Jaime Battiste seeks to launch Liberal leadership campaign

Nova Scotia Liberal MP Jaime Battiste has announced his intentions to run for the leadership of the Liberal Party and become Canada’s next prime minister. Battiste, who made history in 2019 as Canada’s first Mi’kmaw MP, now aims to make history once again as the country’s first Indigenous prime minister.

In a statement released on Monday, Battiste drew parallels to other trailblazers who paved the way for future leaders. He expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of individuals like Elijah Harper and Jesse Jackson, emphasizing the importance of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations.

At 45 years old, Battiste currently serves as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and chair of the Liberal Indigenous caucus. He has received overwhelming support from Indigenous leaders, friends, and citizens across the country, urging him to enter the leadership race.

Battiste has outlined key priorities for his potential leadership, including restarting national negotiations on a $47.8 billion offer to reform the First Nations child welfare system and pausing planned increases to the consumer carbon tax. He also voiced support for the government’s National School Food Program, Canadian Dental Care Plan, pharmacare, affordable child care, and housing supports.

Despite facing criticism for past racist and sexist remarks on social media during the 2019 federal election campaign, Battiste has apologized and emphasized that those comments do not reflect who he is today. He is committed to learning from his past and moving forward with integrity.

One of the challenges Battiste faces in his campaign is fundraising, as he has only secured $40,000 in commitments towards the $350,000 required to enter the race. However, he remains determined to overcome this obstacle and plans to launch a social media campaign to engage Indigenous communities and youth in his candidacy.

While running for Liberal leadership was not initially on his radar, Battiste was inspired to enter the race after conversations with other potential candidates. He believes that his focus on reconciliation, the environment, and social justice will resonate with voters, particularly in the Atlantic region and among Indigenous communities.

Battiste’s decision to run for Liberal leadership represents a significant milestone in Canadian politics, as he seeks to bring a unique perspective and voice to the forefront of the national conversation. If successful, he would not only make history as Canada’s first Indigenous prime minister but also contribute to a more diverse and inclusive political landscape.