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Meadow Lake Progress, October 19, 2008 "Nationally, there was a split in the vote," [Orchard] said in an interview on Wednesday, October 15. "The Conservatives didn't get a majority, so that means people were out there voting for other parties, and different representation for Canada." ... Overall, Orchard said that he is happy with what he accomplished during the election, despite not winning the seat. "I was out there, I was interactive, I am glad that I got to meet with so many wonderful people," he said. "I wish (Rob) Clarke luck with this position and in the riding." continued...  The StarPhoenix, Thursday, Ocrober 16, 2008 David Orchard and his Liberal campaign team say something must be done to smooth the voting process for aboriginal and rural voters, many of whom were shut out at the polls Tuesday because they lacked proper identification, weren't enumerated or were told to vote at distant polling stations. continued... Election results for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River:
Meadow Lake Progress, Sunday, September 28,
2008 ... one man asked what many have been asking since the debate was announced, "can someone here tell me why Mr. Clarke did not attend tonight?" continued... Prince Albert Daily Herald, Tuesday,
September 23, 2008 Re-committing to a moratorium on closing rural mailboxes is a particular fighting point for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River Liberal candidate, David Orchard. "I get my mail from them and the more you have to drive and drive, the more frustrating it is," said Orchard, a fourth-generation farmer. ...As for the embattled situation between the Canadian Wheat Board and the Conservative government, a Liberal government would avoid any government intervention, placing all responsibility on elected Wheat Board officials. "The Wheat Board belongs to the farmers, not the government," said Orchard. continued... The StarPhoenix, Saturday, September 20, 2008 The man Stephane Dion didn't want, Peter McKay betrayed and Joe Clark called a "tourist" in the Tory party has scratched out a surprisingly long career of being blindsided and left for dead. Where does he keep finding new political life? "I'm not bitter," Orchard said, looking a bit like Clint Eastwood squinting into the sun as he strolled the shore of Montreal Lake, about 100 kilometres north of Prince Albert. "I'm a farmer. You have good years, bad years and you stick with it." continued... The StarPhoenix, Saturday, September 20, 2008 The first candidates' forums in the Desnethe riding won't include the incumbent. Clarke said he has several reasons for taking a pass on the forum planned for Meadow Lake Sept. 25: His schedule is full; he doesn't want to get into a debate before the leaders' debate Oct. 2 for fear of contradicting leader Stephen Harper; and he's not a big fan of forums in any case. continued... Toronto Star, Friday, September 12, 2008 David Orchard, running in the vast northern Saskatchewan riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River, said he stands by Dion. But the organic farmer suggested the Green Shift plan would hurt voters in his riding and should be tweaked — again. "I don't want to see farmers or fishermen or northerners penalized for using fuels for which there is no option, they have no alternative," said Orchard, who won the Liberal nomination in Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River last month over former NDP provincial cabinet minister Joan Beatty. continued... Prince Albert Daily Herald, Tuesday,
September 9, 2008 Despite being Canada's worst kept secret for months, the recently called federal election revealed outdated or incorrect information on party websites for the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River riding. ...The only candidate with reliable contact information for residents to call is Liberal David Orchard. continued... The StarPhoenix, Tuesday, August 26, 2008 ... Standing on the brink of a federal election, which face of the Liberal party should Saskatchewan voters recognize? Is it that of Dion, whose climate change plan is too radical even for Jack Layton and the NDP? Is it that of Ralph Goodale, the stolid workhorse who has laboured under a number of distinctly different Liberal leaders? Or is it that of David Orchard, the political maverick and anti-nuke who is the party's newest candidate in Saskatchewan? continued... Meadow Lake Progress, Sunday August 24, 2008 ... Now that he is the Liberal candidate, Orchard said he is focusing on the future, and he has a lot to work on. "Northern Saskatchewan is one of the richest areas of the country, yet there is a high unemployment rate," he said. "There is poverty, poor roads and to me that is unacceptable. There is a disconnect between the riches and what people are getting." In addition, Orchard said he wants to focus on environmental issues. ... "There needs to be sustainable development that does not destroy our heritage." continued... Prince Albert Daily Herald, Saturday, August
16, 2008 Liberal party members of Northern Saskatchewan have made their voices heard — they have asked for David Orchard. "David Orchard, we're pleased to announce, is the nominee for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River," said Robert Ermel, executive director of the Saskatchewan Liberal Association. continued... Canadian Press, Friday, August 15, 2008 OTTAWA — Once spurned by Liberal Leader Stephane Dion, outspoken activist David Orchard has now been embraced by party rank and file in a northern Saskatchewan riding. The organic farmer and anti-free trade activist was elected late Thursday to be the Liberal candidate in Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River during the next federal election. continued... The StarPhoenix, Thursday, August 7, 2008 ... the question of where Orchard stands on issues critical to the riding, such as the future of the uranium industry. Among the myriad of other topics that Orchard holds unwavering opinions on, he has been strongly opposed to any suggestion that Saskatchewan should ever be considered as a site for the long-term storage of nuclear waste. ... if nuclear power is a blight on the planet, then what of uranium mining? continued... Northern Pride (Meadow Lake, SK), Tuesday, August 5,
2008 ... Looking at the polling locations for the August 14 nomination vote, five of the polling stations are located in the northern half of the riding, while two are found in the Northwest. ... The only polling stations in the Northwest are in Meadow Lake and Canoe Lake Cree Nation. Orchard wants to include another polling station in Ile-a-la Crosse so that Liberal party members from La Loche, for example, don't have to drive hours just to vote. It may seem like small potatoes, but what's at stake is ensuring a contest where both candidates compete for their peers' support on an even playing field. continued... Press Release, July 31, 2008 The Saskatchewan Liberal Association has given notice for the nomination meetings for the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River riding's federal Liberal candidate to take place on Thursday, August 14th, in ten locations: Canoe Narrows First Nation, Cumberland House, Deschambault Lake, La Ronge, Pelican Lake First Nation (Chitek Lake), Meadow Lake, Pelican Narrows, Pinehouse Lake, Prince Albert and Red Earth First Nation. The hours are from 2:30 pm to 9 pm, and members can vote in any location convenient for them. Meanwhile, community leaders in the northwest are also requesting that Ile-a-La Crosse to be added to the locations, to serve the over 100 party members in that region. David Orchard strongly supports this urgent request, so that all members of the riding have fair and equal access to a polling location. (See enclosed poster for the exact locations.) To read what northerners are saying about David Orchard go here.
National Post online, Friday, May 23, 2008 If you're ever on one of those TV reality shows in which success depends on the determination to persevere in the face of betrayals, setbacks, failures, dirty tricks and the unreliability of others, the guy you want on your side is David Orchard. continued...
The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) and Regina Leader-Post, Thursday, May 22, 2008 ... "When I made that decision to join the Liberals I did so in a serious way. There are good times and there are bad times. I'm a farmer, you have good years, you have bad years, but you won't get too far if you don't stick with things so that's what I've done," Orchard said in an interview. ... Senator David Smith, national co-chair of the Liberal campaign, said unusual circumstances, such as the timing of the byelection, led to Beatty's appointment and normal nominating procedures would be followed this time. "We wouldn't play favourites. It's a level playing field from our perspective," he said from Toronto. "What's that old song . . . accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, so let's move on. What happened happened." continued... Media release, Wednesday, May 21, 2008 "Following an extensive period of consultation across the riding, I have decided to put my name forward as a candidate for the Liberal Party nomination in the northern Saskatchewan riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. As part of the Liberal team, I will offer my energy and experience to work for an alternative vision for the riding and the country to that put forward by Stephen Harper's government. If selected, I intend to speak for Metis, First Nations and non-aboriginal alike. Mine will be a fighting voice for everyone — the Meadow Lake farmer, the daycare worker in Sandy Bay, the student in Pinehouse, the trappers in Cumberland House, or the fishermen and women in Wollaston Lake. It is my hope to also be a voice for understanding across the cultural and racial divide in this far-flung riding, which covers over half of Saskatchewan." continued... National Post, Friday, April 11, 2008 Re: Liberals: Writer Was Never A Grit Riding President, letter to the editor, April 5. Saskatchewan Liberal party president Frank Proto and party president Marie Poulin are simply wrong in trying to smear Chief Marcel Head, the democratically elected Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding association president, by claiming that he is "not, nor has he ever been," the president. ... They owe an apology to all riding members and especially those who agreed to serve on the executive. continued... National Post, Saturday, April 5, 2008 Re: Liberals Should Know Better, Marcel Head, April 3. National Post, Thursday, April 03, 2008 ... in the aftermath of the March 17 byelection we are hearing that the Liberals lost the riding to the Conservatives because aboriginal voters were "apathetic," didn't understand the necessity of showing ID, did not grasp the very real achievement of the Kelowna Accord or because the Liberal candidate "didn't have enough time." These are simply unacceptable excuses for losing. We are pleased with the Kelowna Accord. We also had a lot of time to prepare for this byelection — many months, in fact — and Elections Canada had done a good job making people aware of the ID requirement. We objected to the overriding of the democratic process. continued... Globe and Mail, Wednesday, March 19, 2008 ... The by-election loss was a blow for Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, but inside the party, it has also damaged the reputation of the senior Grit in the province, Ralph Goodale. It was Mr. Goodale who pressed Mr. Dion to cut short a nomination race in the riding to appoint Ms. Beatty. Mr. Dion overruled his own senior campaign managers, David Smith and Mark Marissen, to take Mr. Goodale's advice. continued... Prince Albert Daily Herald, Friday, February 22, 2008 ... Dion was in Prince Albert on Thursday, along with Beatty, to meet with community leaders and First Nations chiefs in preparation for the byelection next month. continued... The StarPhoenix, Friday, February 22, 2008 ... Goodale and Beatty flanked Dion as he spoke about the situation but made no apologies for his appointment. ... Dion dismissed suggestions made by some of those opposed to the appointment that it will hurt the party's chances, considering the riding was last won by Liberal Gary Merasty by just 67 votes. continued... The StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post, Thursday,
February 21, 2008 ...No meeting is planned between Dion and Orchard, the anti-free trade activist who backed Dion in the 2006 Liberal leadership race. "Nothing has changed. The situation is pretty fixed with the appointment," said Orchard spokesperson Marjaleena Repo. "There's no alternative. Nothing has been offered, you know, even to be considered. So it is the status quo. The status quo prevails." Repo said Orchard won't run as independent or seek the Green Party nomination in the northern riding. He is also not planning at this point on running in another riding as a Liberal in a general election, she said. continued... Prince Albert Daily Herald, Thursday, February 21, 2008 ... Somewhere, sometime today, Dion is going to have to face reporters (and, we suggest, party faithful) and explain why he chose to circumvent a standard candidacy process and appoint a kidnapped NDP MLA as the official candidate while simultaneously eliminating the democratic efforts of two well-organized campaign groups. continued... Globe and Mail, Thursday, February 7, 2008 ... The Liberal candidate, who on Nov. 7 was elected a New Democratic member of the provincial legislature, is out there somewhere, but no one seems quite sure where. The New Democratic candidate is nowhere to be found and the riding association president listed on the party website says she is no longer in charge and, as a matter of fact, has no idea who is now in charge. The Conservative candidate is too busy campaigning to respond to his calls. ... [long-time area Liberals] say Orchard may have been their best chance to hold the seat, as Merasty won by only 67 votes in 2006 in an election that still seeps bad blood. continued... Regina Leader-Post, Tuesday, February 05, 2008 In three columns dealing with the Liberal party's missteps in the Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding, Murray Mandryk discredited himself by his vitriolic attack on David Orchard... Those who know Orchard, his track record, his knowledge about and involvement in many issues of outside international trade ("free trade"), such as the environment, agriculture, war and peace, are left wondering: what ails Mandryk? continued... The StarPhoenix, Tuesday, February 05, 2008 I am an on-reserve Indian businessman in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. I'm dismayed at the behaviour of John Dorion, who was running to be the Liberal candidate in my riding. continued... Meadow Lake Progress and Northern Pride, Sunday,
February 3, 2008 ... If John Dorion really thinks he can unite all the Liberals by his misguided defection in what would appear as a hopeless cause, John had best start by apologizing not only to Orchard but to the thousands of people across Canada who must feel insulted by his remarks. To many of us that have know John for many years, we wonder will ever learn? continued... Globe and Mail, Saturday, February 2, 2008 Saskatoon -- In Jane Taber's Notebook of Jan. 12, Alberta Liberal Party president Adam Campbell was described as David Orchard's friend. In fact, he was a political acquaintance. They both supported Stéphane Dion's leadership candidacy. Mr. Campbell wrongly states that Mr. Orchard was "fully aware" that Mr. Dion might appoint an aboriginal woman as the Liberal candidate in the northern Saskatchewan riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. Mr. Orchard was neither consulted nor informed about the appointment, until it was offered and accepted. Marjaleena Repo, Saskatoon The above is an edited version of a letter Marjaleena Repo wrote January 12, 2008. To read the unedited version go here, where Marjaleena's letter unedited letter is posted below Taber's. The StarPhoenix, Thursday, January 31, 2008 ...Of course I was disappointed when Stéphane Dion pre-emptorily appointed Beatty, but I understand that a leader sometimes must make tough decisions in the best interests of the party. As a longtime loyal Liberal, I fully support his choice. ... Orchard does well when it comes to picking leaders (in whatever party he happens to be in at the time), but his subsequent actions prove that he has enormous difficulty in abiding by the rules (of whatever party he happens to be in at the time). Orchard now should join the next party on his list, or failing that, start his own to keep himself at the center of attention. continued... Read Joe Durocher's response, "Issue in Desnethé riding is democracy," The StarPhoenix, February 5, 2008 and Frank Tomkins, "Will Dorion ever learn?" Meadow Lake Progress and Northern Pride, February 3, 2008. Vancouver Sun, Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Re: Both Tories and Liberals will have to step lightly, Barbara Yaffe, Jan. 26 When Barbara Yaffe writes that David Orchard is "seen as a gadfly by some in his new party," that is not necessarily a bad thing. The dictionary says gadflies "bite or annoy livestock and other animals." Certainly in the quarter century-plus that Orchard has been on the political scene championing a sovereign Canada, he has put a nip or two into some old bulls' backsides. continued... The Prince Albert Daily Herald, Monday January 28, 2008 "We are not going to let people in Ottawa override our democratic right," said Chief Marcel Head of Shoal Lake First Nation, who's been leading the fight against Dion's appointment. "This meeting today is to elect a new executive committee ... we want to see the nomination process continue ... we will not be dictated to." continued... Friday, January 25, 2008 The Vancouver Sun published today an edited version of Marjaleena Repo's response to Sun columnist Barbara Yaffe's "Maverick Orchard finds new party to tangle with." Yaffe calls Orchard an "organic produce businessman" (and not a farmer!), a "social conservative," an "oddball," a "nuisance" and more. You'll find Repo's unedited version, "On being 'yaffied'" here and what the Sun published, "Shafting by Yaffe based on factoids, canards" here: 'Barbare Yaffe... coins a new term, "orcharded," to describe the shafting of an individual. I'm now coining another term for the very same phenomenon, and that is being "yaffied." It means a person being shafted by someone who writes about them without knowing the first thing about them and is willing to invent facts to fit their personal prejudices and fantasies.' continued... Friday, January 25, 2008
The Prince Albert Daily Herald, Tuesday, January 22,
2008 Good afternoon, federal Liberal party. We'd like to suggest, if you don't mind, that we did not cause the problems you currently face in the riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. continued...
January 18, 2008 ... I have lived closely with Metis and First Nations peoples for the past 20 years and, by invitation, I attended the meeting in Prince Albert on January 12th. The pain and anger were palpable. John Dorion and David Orchard were there, having been tossed aside by their leaders as if their months of hard work counted for nothing. The elders were there to pray and counsel us. Veterans spoke of fighting for freedom in other countries only to lose it in their own. Mayors and Chiefs representing thousands of northerners spoke powerfully, never of the candidates, always of the democratic right to choose the candidate. Finally, they all, elders, veterans, chiefs, mayors and residents achieved consensus and made their recommendation. ... They deserve to be heard. continued... Vancouver Sun, Friday, January 18, 2008 A growing battle over a federal Liberal candidate in a Saskatchewan riding is more than just an internal party affair. It underscores a serious flaw in a political process most Canadians believe is fully democratic. continued...
Regina Leader Post, Tuesday, January 16, 2008 ... This production of Beatty and the Beast (the latter title role played by either Ralph Goodale or David Orchard, depending on your perspective) again has people buzzing about Liberal politics, though not necessarily in a good way. continued... Regina Leader Post, Wednesday, January 16, 2008 ... The Liberal Party has always been a strong advocate of democracy and the benefits that it can bestow on society. It has done this historically, both at home and in other countries, assisting the establishment of UN-sanctioned elections in places like the Congo. Nevertheless, this democratic sentiment in the big red machine seems to be dwindling like a candle in a snowstorm. continued...
MUST READ! National Post, Tuesday, January 15, 2008 ... I wish John Ivison would make a serious effort to find a more apt description of David Orchard than "potential loose cannon," as the term refers to an irresponsible and reckless individual whose behaviour, either intended or unintended, endangers the group he belongs to. If anything, in a phrase-to-phrase combat, Mr. Orchard is an "open book" whose writings and speeches are available in book form and in numerous articles, accessible on his website for the investigative mind. ... On a more serious matter, Mr. Ivison repeats the canard that David Orchard "has long opposed … gay marriage." As his longtime friend, advisor and campaign manager, I have yet to hear or see words to that effect come from his mouth or pen. continued...
The StarPhoenix, Tuesday, January 15, 2008 It is somewhat ironic that at the very moment Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion became dangerously trapped in an uncharted Saskatchewan minefield, he was in fact half a world away -- in a war zone. ... Even a political neophyte could not have helped but notice Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River was a delicate situation. Once a bastion of Liberal strength, over the last decade it has swung through all three major national parties — even having the same candidate represent different parties in two consecutive elections and run as an independent the next time out. continued... The
StarPhoenix and
National Post online, Tuesday, January 15, 2008 ... Whether the decision to appoint her [Beatty] is based partly on her
gender and race or whether that's being used as a reason to avoid other members
from winning the nomination, the fact is much is being said about what she is
rather than what she can do. She could do a lot for that riding, and party
members deserve to hear her ideas and vote for her based on her skills and
abilities. The StarPhoenix, Monday, January 14, 2008 I'm not sure I've ever been to a political meeting where so many angry people had so much fun. Unlike scores of similar gatherings I've attended where humourless white folks grimly tear their opponents to shreds, the Native people gathered here Saturday to protest Liberal paternalism brought a singular joy to their task. continued...
The Prince Albert Daily Herald, Monday, January 14, 2008 Even those who do not support the Liberal Party can be forgiven for wishing success for the grassroots Liberals in Desnethe-Misinippi-Churchill River. ... While the battle they are about to wage is largely a closed-door, Liberal-only affair, it's a process that affects all of us. continued...
Latest news flash!
The StarPhoenix
online, Sunday, January 13, 2008 PRINCE ALBERT - Ralph Goodale may be one of the most respected politicians in Ottawa, but in his home province and to several members of his Liberal Party on Saturday, he was about as popular as a kick in the groin. As a matter of fact, the latter was more popular: it was mentioned more than once as a gift that should be bestowed on Goodale, the Regina-Wascana MP and former minister of finance for Canada. A fired-up group of nearly 200 people - mayors, residents, First Nations chiefs, Metis leaders - gathered at the Prince Albert Inn throughout the day for an emergency membership meeting regarding the recent upheaval in the federal riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River. continued...
Canadian Press, Saturday, January 12, 2008 PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. - A Liberal Party nomination dispute in Saskatchewan enmeshed in politics, race and gender became more complicated - and confrontational - Saturday. More than 140 disaffected party members voted to create a new riding executive they hope will in turn hold a nomination runoff to decide who will carry the party banner for the northern riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River in a March 17 byelection. The move has left provincial party brass shaking their heads, given, they say, that the riding already has an executive ... continued... David Orchard has replied with a letter to The StarPhoenix: "... In fact, there is no functioning riding association in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. No executive, no president. A formally constituted riding association has not existed for some time." continued... With "friends" like these... Globe and Mail, Saturday, January 12, 2008 ... David Orchard - the anti-free-trade activist who delivered delegates to Stéphane Dion to help him win the 2006 Liberal leadership. Mr. Orchard says he was blindsided by the leader's decision to appoint Joan Beatty, an aboriginal woman, as the candidate in the northern Saskatchewan riding where he was campaigning for the nomination. But Adam Campbell, the Alberta Liberal Party president, says that Mr. Orchard, who is a friend, is "not coming clean on this." He says Mr. Orchard was fully aware that if an aboriginal woman came forward to run, she would be appointed. Mr. Campbell says that Mr. Dion knew "David was going to be upset" by the decision but he asked him to remind Mr. Orchard "of what we are all trying to achieve here." Mr. Campbell says that Mr. Orchard "is saleable in lots of other ridings." continued... Marjaleena Repo, senior advisor to David Orchard, has responded with a letter to the Globe and Mail: I was very surprised to read the item in Jane Taber's Saturday Notebook about Alberta Liberal Party president Adam Campbell making statements as David Orchard's "friend, " discrediting Mr. Orchard from the basis of his supposed personal knowledge. Adam Campbell is no friend of David Orchard's, although the Globe and Mail is not the first one to whom he has made that claim. He was a political acquaintance and in the Liberal leadership campaign they both supported Stephane Dion's candidacy, nothing more, and certainly is not the trustworthy and close friend he presents himself as. continued... Vancouver Sun, Friday, January 11, 2008 Would-be politician David Orchard would most certainly qualify for the Rodney Dangerfield Award, if one existed. ... It may be time to coin a new, made-in-Canada verb: to be orcharded. continued... Read Marjaleena Repo's response, "On being 'yaffied'" published in an edited version in the Vancouver Sun, Friday, January 25, 2008 under the title "Shafting by Yaffe based on factoids, canards" Missinippi Broadcasting, Friday, January 11, 2008 ... Cumberland House native John Dorion says it was his campaign that sparked hundreds of constituents to buy Liberal party memberships, and not David Orchard. Dorion feels Orchard has been given credit by the media for much of his work, and Dorion believes he would beat Orchard if a nomination vote were held today. continued... National Post on line, Friday, January 11,
2008
At some point, David Orchard is going to start suspecting that people in Ottawa just don't want him around. Sure, they're willing to pal around with him as long as he's able to deliver votes, delegates, organizing expertise or whatever other bit of political capital they happen to need at the moment. But after that it's arrivederci Davie. Don't let the door slam on your way out. This time Orchard has been unceremoniously blocked from seeking the Liberal nomination in the Saskatchewan riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, one of four ridings that will hold by-elections to replace departing Liberal MPs on March 17. Orchard says he campaigned for the nomination for three months, signing up hundreds of members and clocking 20,000 km in travels across the riding, in the belief it would be an open contest. Instead, Dion used his powers as leader to hand the nomination to Joan Beatty, a former minister in the provincial government who was the first aboriginal woman to hold a seat in Saskatchewan's cabinet. Not surprisingly, Orchard feels betrayed. He says he was specifically assured there would be an open race and urged to campaign hard. He refuted a claim by Ralph Goodale, the House Leader and dean of Saskatchewan Liberals, that all prospective candidates were made to sign a paper acknowledging Dion might bypass the nomination process and appoint his own candidate. He dared Goodale to produce the paper or back off. continued... The StarPhoenix, Friday, January 11, 2008 David Orchard says he was told by federal party leader Stephane Dion and other senior Liberals that Dion would not hand-pick a candidate to run in a March 17 federal byelection in northern Saskatchewan. Orchard, who began campaigning for the Liberal nomination in the Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding three months ago, said there's no truth to the party's assertions he knew it wanted an aboriginal woman to run in the sprawling northern riding. ... Asked who told him there would be no appointment, Orchard repeated that Goodale never said anything about it, and he was also assured by a national Liberal campaign co-chair. "Of course, the leader told me there would be no appointment," Orchard added. continued... The Globe and Mail, Friday, January 11, 2008 Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion's decision to appoint an aboriginal woman candidate to a northern Saskatchewan riding is provoking battles both inside and outside the party. Internally, the situation is being described as "ugly" by one senior Liberal, who says there have been shouting matches among strategists and MPs over the appointment of former NDP Saskatchewan MLA and cabinet minister Joan Beatty. continued... The StarPhoenix, Friday, January 11, 2008 ... It's not unusual for First Nations and aboriginal people to switch parties. Political issues in Indian country generally are local, or centre on the recognition of aboriginal and treaty rights. Issues that relate to basic services such as clean water, improved infrastructure and employment often take centre stage in election campaigns. Issues such as rights and land claims are very important to aboriginal people, but may not make a blip on the radar screen in other constituencies or may be viewed negatively. The loyalty in Indian country is to the individual who can deliver. Partisan politics are seen as a vehicle to make change for your community. Few aboriginal people are so close to a party that they will support a candidate based on party affiliation alone. ... So, what are Beatty's chances of securing a federal seat? continued... National Post, Thursday, January 10,
2008 ... In making his decision, Mr. Dion must have weighed two key factors: Ms. Beatty is a well-qualified, aboriginal woman (he has committed to ensuring a third of candidates at the next election are female); and, Mr. Orchard is a potential loose cannon who might backfire during a campaign (he has long opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement, gun control and gay marriage). continued... Click here for Marjaleena Repo's response published in the National Post, Tuesday, January 15, 2008, "Orchard: an 'open book not a 'loose cannon.'" Canadian Press, Thursday, January 10, 2008 OTTAWA - David Orchard says he'd never have campaigned to become a Liberal candidate in Saskatchewan if he had been told from the outset that Leader Stephane Dion would appoint a woman. ... Goodale, the lone Liberal MP from Saskatchewan, said Wednesday that Orchard and other prospective candidates knew full well that Dion might appoint a woman. Indeed, Goodale said all would-be candidates signed a paper acknowledging that the leader might bypass the democratic nomination process and make an appointment. "Mr. Goodale's statement is completely and utterly false," Orchard said in a brief telephone interview. "In fact, I was assured that there would be no appointment whatsoever and urged to work hard for the riding. "Does anyone believe that I would have campaigned for three months — I criss-crossed the riding, 20,000 kilometres, signing up hundreds of members — if there'd been a threat of an appointment over my head?" continued...
The StarPhoenix, Thursday, January 10, 2008 ... If there's one thing that unites a disparate northern population, it's the notion that people from outside the community should feel obliged to tell them what's good for them. And nothing could do that in a more prominent way than telling them their voices do not count when it comes to choosing who they want to represent them in a federal election. It's safe to say at this point that when federal leader Stephane Dion decided to appoint former NDP cabinet minister Joan Beatty to become the Liberal candidate in the northern riding, he had no idea he would be provoking such a backlash. continued...
The StarPhoenix, Wednesday, January 09, 2008 Disgruntled Liberals in the province's north have organized a meeting for Saturday to protest federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's decision to bypass a nomination meeting for an upcoming byelection. In an interview Tuesday, Bruce Morin, chief of the Big River Band, said he thinks Dion made "a big mistake" by appointing Beatty. "He's going to lose a lot of votes over this. He won the last time with a slim majority of votes thanks to the efforts of people like us. And now he goes and does this to us. This is an insult to the people who live out here. This should have been our choice." continued...
National Post, Wednesday, January 09, 2008 ... the "Ottawa-hath-spoken" flavour of Mr. Dion's decision has not gone unnoticed. One local Indian leader called it a "slap in the face" and an act of "tyranny." A Métis organizer was reminded of "the old Indian agent mentality ... The idea that 'we' know better than 'you' the people, what is good for you." As for the non-aboriginal Saskatchewanians in the area, particularly the longtime New Democrats, it is hard to find a reason they wouldn't feel exactly the same way, or even use the same words. continued...
The StarPhoenix, Tuesday, January 08, 2008 Free trade critic and former Tory leadership candidate David Orchard delivered 150 votes to Dion's leadership campaign in 2006, but apparently that wasn't enough. ... He's now in the humiliating position of being shunted aside for a hand-picked candidate with absolutely no base of support within the Liberal party. What she shares with Dion is a disregard for the concept of loyalty. continued...
The StarPhoenix, Saturday, January 05, 2008 ... As Roy Head, who was president of the riding when it was known simply as Churchill River, said in a recent letter to The StarPhoenix: "If the appointment goes ahead without the people in the constituency having any say, it would be a slap in the face ... It would suggest that constituents aren't capable of electing their own representative and that the selection has to be made for them by the Liberal leader." ... Her appointment by Dion smacks of the kind of insider politics that so turn off Canadians from the electoral process. continued...
Toronto Star, Saturday, January 5, 2008 OTTAWA–Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion appears to have taken a giant political risk in refusing to allow David Orchard, the farmer and political activist, to run for the party in the coming federal by-election in Saskatchewan. Orchard, who delivered more than 100 delegates to Dion's leadership campaign a year ago, had his heart set on running in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River – one of four ridings where by-elections are to be held on March 17 to replace departing Liberal MPs. ... It is said that former finance minister Ralph Goodale, who's long been the political godfather for the Liberals in Saskatchewan and is now the Opposition House leader, was opposed to Orchard running in the by-election. continued...
The StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post, Saturday, January 05, 2008 ... At best, it appears [Joan] Beatty got this appointment for the wrong reasons. At worst, it provides a lot of examples of a lot of things wrong in politics. continued...
The StarPhoenix, Saturday, January 05, 2008 REGINA - In a move with major repercussions on both federal and provincial politics in Saskatchewan, federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion has appointed NDP MLA Joan Beatty as his party's candidate in Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River. continued...
Canadian Press, Friday, January, 4, 2008 OTTAWA - Irate supporters of David Orchard are warning that Liberals will lose a coming byelection in northern Saskatchewan now that Leader Stephane Dion has chosen to appoint an NDP defector as the party's candidate. And even though Dion's chosen candidate, Joan Beatty, is an aboriginal woman, some native leaders are suggesting it's racist to bypass the democratic nomination contest in the heavily aboriginal riding. "There is an Indian Affairs mindset and this is it to the core, the old Indian agent mentality we all know too much about," Metis leader Jim Durocher says in an angry letter to Dion, obtained by The Canadian Press. "The idea that 'we' know better than 'you' the people, what is good for you." continued...
Prince Albert, SK, Thursday, December 27, 2007 It was with utter amazement that I read the story in the Globe and Mail on
December 19, 2007. It had been said that there are some Liberals in this
province that put self interest and the maintenance of personal influence ahead
of winning seats for the Liberal party. ...
Sunday, December 23, 2007 ... By way of background, the North has been for decades on the receiving end of colonial attitudes and unforgiveable arrogance coming from the south and centre of our country. In my life I have seen many examples. We have had candidates selected and foisted upon the riding. We have had nomination meetings held outside the riding itself. I could go on, but I'm sure you are an intelligent man and understand something of colonialism and racism. continued...
The StarPhoenix, Thursday, December 20, 2007 ... When you sign on with David Orchard, you're not forming a partnership with a guy who is prepared to lie down and be run over if the leader thinks it advisable. What you get is a practised grassroots politician with a flair for organization. You also get a committed activist who expects to be treated with some respect for his abilities. continued...
The Globe and Mail, Wednesday, December 19, 2007 ...The battle over who will carry the Liberal banner in a vast northern Saskatchewan riding has developed into a power struggle pitting MP Ralph Goodale, the party's strong man in the province, against Mr. Orchard, the prominent farm activist who twice ran for the leadership of the Progressive Conservatives. continued...
Canoe Lake, Sunday, December 16, 2007 ... When I heard Dave Orchard was running I felt good. I said I'd help right
away. I joined the Liberal party with my wife and two boys. I paid 40 dollars
for a family membership. This is the first time I paid for a membership in a
political party. It's the first time I'll be voting in a federal election. ...
Prince Albert Grand Council Tribune, November 2007 David Orchard, 57, a Saskatchewan farmer originally from Borden, along the South Saskatchewan River west of Saskatoon, is one of the best-known Canadians. He has been in the public spotlight for much of the past 20 years. Orchard is contesting the Liberal nomination for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, and wants to become its Member of Parliament. Orchard says that he wants to become the representative of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River so that he will stem the Americanization of Canada by Stephen Harper's Conservatives. People in northern communities of the constituency are receiving him well, he said, and has sold a fair number of memberships. When the Tribune talked to him, he was in Canoe Lake enroute to Meadow Lake for a speaking engagement. continued...
Prince Albert Daily Herald, 26 November, 2007 To the Editor: This letter is in response to a newscast I heard today in reference to David Orchard and his announcement to run as a Liberal in the Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding. I was upset by comments made by his opponent John Dorion who implied that David has no connections to the North and hasn't a grasp of the issues of that place. He also went on to say that David isn't qualified because of his lack of Cree language skills. I am a member of the Buffalo River Dene Nation. The riding in question is very large and Cree isn't the only Native language spoken. I speak fluent Dene and would like to know if John can freely converse in that. David speaks French. There have been other MP's who spoke only English and still represented the riding with skill. I think it's a shame that campaign should largely be about race and language. John also stated that David had no connection to the North. David is connected to the North by blood as he is my former brother in law and has a niece who is also a band member. I have a large family and many of us consider David's beliefs to be close to what we believe in. We accept him for what he is. David is known by many in the north for having taken part in the blockade of logging roads and clear cutting in Canoe Lake in which he was arrested and jailed with other protesters from surrounding northern communities. David understands that there is a thin line between responsible harvesting of resources and exploitation. David is a long time activist who has a passion for the important issues of the North and the political know-how to get things done in Ottawa. Our MP should be elected for his or her ability to represent the riding and not for race or lack of Native language skills. Terrie S. Bekattla |
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New Audio:
Monday, January 21, 2008
