GRASSY NARROWS – The Ontario New Democratic Party has a candidate for Kenora-Rainy River: Rudy Turtle, former chief of Grassy Narrows (Asubpeeschoseewagong) First Nation.
Turtle told Newswatch on Thursday he is running in the Ontario general election because “there are some issues that we need to speak up about. For example, we need more housing in our area and also helping people that are on the streets and being able to help our young people begin their lives in a proper way.
“And one of the issues that's come up, too, is highway safety,” he continued. “I’m very concerned about highway safety.”
Turtle was chief of Grassy Narrows for two non-consecutive terms, and a councillor for 10 years as well. In his 14 years on band council, his roles included deputy chief.
He also ran for the New Democrats in the 2019 federal election, when he placed third with 28.5 per cent of the vote.
A statement issued by the Ontario NDP describes Turtle as “a tireless advocate for the region and an experienced community leader” who “is ready to bring meaningful change to Kenora-Rainy River by prioritizing health care and building homes.”
The party statement says Turtle is running at a time “when families in Kenora-Rainy River are struggling with rising costs, longer wait times in health care, and the urgent need for housing. Rudy Turtle and the NDP are focused on delivering real solutions for real people.”
Turtle was nominated in an online meeting of Kenora-Rainy River NDP members on Tuesday.
Election day is Thursday, Feb. 27.
