With trade war tensions dominating narratives regarding the upcoming federal election on April 28, some are concerned that Indigenous issues are being overlooked. However, the Assembly of First Nations has listed Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou as one riding where Indigenous voters could swing results.
The vast territory covering over half of Quebec’s land mass has approximately 65,500 voters, of which 40% are Indigenous. Since NDP MP Romeo Saganash’s tenure ended in 2019, Bloc Québécois MP Sylvie Bérubé has held the seat. Only a third of the riding’s eligible voters cast ballots in the last election.
With this spring’s snap election, the shortest campaign allowable under Canadian law, Bérubé had a head start as the other parties scrambled to name candidates. Before becoming the first woman elected in this riding, Bérubé worked for 32 years in the healthcare system. Originally from Val-d’Or, she believes the Bloc are the “watchdogs” defending Quebec’s interests in Ottawa.
The Nation reached out to all four candidates running in Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou but didn’t receive a response from Bérubé or NDP candidate Thai Dillon Higashihara, who was confirmed just before the close of nominations.
Conservative candidate Steve Corriveau placed third in the 2021 election after moving back to his hometown of Val-d’Or when he lost his tourism job during the Covid pandemic. Corriveau believes his extensive time abroad has heightened his respect and understanding of cultural differences.
“Sometimes I see ads from Indigenous tourism and think wouldn’t it be great to develop that so more people can come?” Corriveau told the Nation. “Better quality of roads, more hotels, respecting local tallymen and those who respect the territory. If we can develop something in partnership where all life matters are respected, why not?”
Emphasizing that he has “no priorities,” Corriveau said his vision as MP is to listen to each community’s needs and encourage people to make their voices heard. Asserting that white people “have so much to learn from Indigenous people,” Corriveau proposed establishing offices in Val-d’Or, Chibougamau, Chisasibi and Kuujjuaq.
“We need to have a Cree member working with me,” said Corriveau. “I want to know what I can do to improve what is going on. It’s not only to solve problems but to be invited to different festivals, representing the people. You have to be there for everybody.”
While Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has endorsed First Nations taxing resource development projects on their lands, many have expressed concerns about his record on residential school issues and Indigenous rights. He has said pipelines and other energy infrastructure would be “pre-approved right away” and didn’t consult with locals before announcing plans for a Nunavut military base.
After trailing by as much as 20 points throughout most of the last year, recent polls suggest a potential Liberal majority under new leader Mark Carney. Corriveau acknowledged this shifting political climate but referenced the story of the tortoise and the hare in cautioning against counting him out.
“We’re facing strong headwinds,” admitted Corriveau. “I believe our program is much more diversified than the Liberals. Let’s have a clean and respectful debate on our views and in the end the best person will be elected. I have faith – I go to church every week and sing in the choir.”
While Liberals haven’t held the Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou riding for over 20 years, expansionist rhetoric from the United States has voters across the province appearing to prioritize the party’s federal sovereignty messaging at the expense of the Bloc. These trends support the already strong candidacy of former Cree Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty.
After briefly appearing on the Liberal website when the election was called, Gull-Masty briefly withdrew her candidacy to focus on completing her term as Grand Chief before being persuaded to reconsider. On March 27, the Grand Council adopted a resolution “requesting the Grand Chief to pursue the Liberal party nomination.”
“I’m hitting the ground running as fast as I can,” Gull-Masty said about her campaign. “It is a huge undertaking to get to all parts of the riding. I spent my first weekend in Val-d’Or and felt well received by people. I hope to showcase there is a capacity to serve everyone in this riding.”
On April 9, Gull-Masty unveiled a campaign promise to create an inter-regional table that brings together representatives from Indigenous communities, municipalities and economic, social and environmental leaders. This initiative intends to identify common regional issues to coordinate inclusive development and amplify a unified voice on federal policies.
“Despite our differences, we share common challenges and immense collective potential,” Gull-Masty stated. “It’s time to create a space where we can listen to each other, join forces and build a future in our image.”
Before starting her campaign, Gull-Masty met with Prime Minister Carney to explain the riding’s unique diversity and its importance for key issues such as natural resources, electricity and Arctic activities. She said the riding is home to eight of the province’s 11 hydroelectric dams, over half its critical minerals and a majority of forest resources.
“I think he was pleased to see an Indigenous woman willing to be part of his team,” said Gull-Masty. “I’ve been encouraged by his announcements about rapidly building housing and the protection of water. It was one of the initiatives when we worked on the protected areas file.”
She defended Carney as not carrying the baggage of previous governments, such as the Jody Wilson-Raybould scandal. To those who question her participation in a “colonial institution”, she stressed the importance of having a seat at the table to enact change, so the country better reflects the identities of First Nations and Inuit peoples.
“The Indigenous votes in this riding are a silent majority,” Gull-Masty asserted. “This year the vote is very close to Goose Break. I’m hoping people take the time to go to the advance polls or consider making a run to town on the 28th, taking a nice shower and hot meal.”
A French language debate will be held in Val-d’Or on April 15, where voters can question candidates directly. Advance voting is possible at Elections Canada offices or by mail before April 22.