News Release
February 28, 2019
UBCIC Stands with Jody Wilson-Raybould
(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, B.C. – February 28, 2019) Yesterday former Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould displayed her characteristic unwavering commitment to justice and truth that has distinguished her as a strong, respected leader for Indigenous peoples. In scrupulous and succinct detail, Wilson-Raybould testified before the House of Commons Justice Committee.
“Jody Wilson-Raybould’s announcement that a campaign of “veiled threats” and “sustained pressure” was carried out by senior members of the Prime Minister’ Office (PMO) in order to force her hand in the SNC-Lavalin case is disturbing and indicative of a government that is severely compromised,” stated Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). “The Trudeau government is upheld not by the pillars of justice and truth, but greed and partisanship – a government that time and time again favors corporations over the welfare and rights of Indigenous peoples. UBCIC unequivocally stands behind Jody Wilson-Raybould and denounces the inappropriate efforts of the Trudeau government to undermine her prosecutorial discretion and secure a strategic deferred prosecution agreement with SNC-Lavalin.”
Chief Bob Chamberlin, UBCIC Vice-President, stated “Justin Trudeau’s willful ignorance belies how he is personally and directly linked to the charges of excessive political interference and Canadians will be hard-pressed to trust his claims that he and his staff have always acted ‘professionally and appropriately’ now that Jody Wilson-Raybould has provided her testimony. I cannot understate how proud I am of her integrity, determination, and dedication to justice. We respect her power and integrity.”
“UBCIC will continue to honor Jody Wilson-Raybould’s commitment to her role of the Attorney General as an independent and impartial administrator of justice who is not to be bought, bribed, or coerced,” stated Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer of UBCIC. “Highly concerning is the fact that the PMO still has not freed Wilson-Raybould from some of the constraints that bar her from speaking out about any communications or events that occurred post-cabinet shuffle, the time between her appointment as Minister of Veteran Affairs and her resignation from that post. We call upon Justin Trudeau and the PMO to issue a new Order in Council that would lift any and all constraints that would stifle Wilson-Raybould’s complete and truthful testimony of the SNC-Lavalin case.”
Media inquiries:
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip: 250-490-5314
Kukpi7 Judy Wilson: 250-320-7738
Chief Bob Chamberlain: 250-974-8282
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Which brings me to my question, as I look around at who will get my vote, hmm, Has the Assembly of Chiefs or the British Columbia Union of Chiefs ever considered going beyond the fight for self governance to governance in general and put together a Federal Party much like Quebec developed the Bloc?
Anyway a new Party of Indigenous Chiefs might look very appealing to Canadians and provide alternative options to voters in terms of political visions, views and choice beyond voting for the sake of getting one party out rather than voting to get a party in!! Who knows maybe the Liberals will get Trudeau out and put the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould at the head of state, then I’ll have someone to vote in rather than putting my focus on voting Justine Trudeau OUT!
As a voter I find it a sad state of affairs to be approaching voting in this fashion, alternative options are seriously needed.
Have a great day!
Cheryl Nicholson
Winnipeg MB