(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – October 20, 2015) The 2015 Federal Election resulted in a Liberal majority government with 70% of the registered electors in British Columbia electing 17 Liberal, 14 NDP, 10 Conservative and 1 Green Party representatives.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs declared “The majority of electors dramatically rejected the divisive public policies and destructive legislative agenda of the Harper Government! The UBCIC stands with those Canadians who recognized the Harper Government cared more for multi-national industry interests than the vitally important democratic and human rights of all Canadians.”

Grand Chief Phillip continued “Clearly, it was the persistent activism of grassroot individuals like #RockTheIndigenousVote’s Cara Curriehall and high-profile dignitaries like Mrs Universe Ashley Callingbull which inspired Elders, Youth and Indigenous people to come out and vote. Consequently, this proved to be a truly historic election as Indigenous Peoples were engaged and our voices were heard. The Liberal Party campaigned on a suite of promises rooted in the respectful recognition of our Indigenous Title, Rights and Treaty Rights – our human rights. Prime Minister-Elect Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Caucus must meet or surpass the great expectations created by their sunny, Obama-style promises. The most critical priority for the Liberal Government is to fulfill its promise to launch a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.”

Grand Chief Phillip concluded “The UBCIC congratulates the 10 Indigenous MPs elected last night. Specifically, Jody Wilson-Raybould who as Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations won the respect of many with her strong resolve and we look forward to working with her as a likely and essential member of Cabinet.”

Media inquiries:
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs
Phone: (604) 684-0231