THUNDER BAY – Anna Betty Achneepineskum knows the North.
As a former deputy grand chief with Nishnawbe Aski Nation, she has intricate knowledge of the both the needs of Indigenous communities throughout the region and the troubles that face non-Indigenous communities like Thunder Bay, Marathon, Geraldton and Longlac.
She said she’s troubled that recent federal governments have done little, if anything, to make things better.
It’s why she decided to put her name forward for the NDP to run in Thunder Bay-Superior North.
While others are content to watch and wait for solutions to come to them, Achneepineskum said she plans to bring those solutions to Ottawa herself for approval.
“I am aware that it is a challenge to live in the North. The cost of living is a lot higher and at times the pay that we receive from our salaries cannot accommodate the cost of living,” Achneepineskum said.
There are too many gaps in services, especially in health and mental health care that need to be addressed.
“Those are the things I want to work on and I believe that I’m the right person who can be the voice in Ottawa for the people here in this region.”
Her experience at the political table helps set her apart from the other challengers in the six-candidate race.
“I have traveled to about 95 per cent of the communities in this region, including the northern isolated communities. I believe that I have witnessed and experienced first-hand the challenges that our people face,” she said.
“I make sure that I follow through with action. And I committed to fulfilling what I said I was going to do. I believe as a woman, as a mother of six children, I know that I’ve had to work hard for whatever it is to take care of my family. So hard work is something I have proven to be able to fulfill.”
As an Indigenous woman, however, Achneepineskum said she truly believes she sees the world from a different lens.
“I believe in fairness and equality, because that is something I have to work at every day to ensure that I’m treated with fairness and equality.”
Achneepineskum said it’s important to have as many Indigenous voices at the House of Commons as possible.
It’s all about working together, she said.
“And if you look at my work record, I made great effort to build a good relationship with the Thunder Bay Police, because it was very important that we address the concerns. I believe it was not only beneficial for the Indigenous people, but also for every citizen that lives here because we’re all entitled to live in a safe community,” Achneepineskum said.
She added she’s not afraid to tackle the tough issues, regardless of how uncomfortable the topic might be.
Achneepineskum has fought for the most vulnerable in the region and said it’s time to expand that to everyone as a member of Parliament.
TBNewswatch.com has profiled all 11 candidates running for office in Thunder Bay-Superior North and Thunder Bay-Rainy River. All the profiles can be found in our election section, Canada Votes.
