Liberal MP-elect Jody Wilson-Raybould talks aboriginal issues

Liberal MP-elect, Jody Wilson-Raybould, one of ten aboriginal candidates elected Monday, says the new federal government will address First Nations issues with a partnership approach.

The former Crown prosecutor, treaty commissioner and regional chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, won the riding with 44 per cent of the vote — this, despite an endorsement for the NDP candidate from Sarah Silverman and strategic vote group, Leadnow.ca.

Wilson-Raybould says having more aboriginal MPs in the House of Commons is "a step forward."

But she acknowledged that there's a lot of room for improvement.

"There's a tremendous amount to do, but our approach is to do it in partnership and to embrace aboriginal people and support the successes that they've already accomplished and what they can continue to accomplish in the future."

Improvements promised

Justin Trudeau's Liberal party has promised significant improvements to First Nations' education, including $2.6 billion in new funding over four years, and vowed to call an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

He has also promised to end boil-water advisories on First Nations' reserves within five years.

Wilson-Raybould says she wants to show Canadians aboriginal people have an important role to play in the country.

"The priority that our prime minister places on ensuring that place in this country, ensuring that we finish the unfinished business of Confederation, is something I embrace with vigour."

That's one of the reasons why she ran for office, she says.

"I put my name forward because it's diversity in our country that makes us strong and we need to get back to the place where all voices are heard in public policy."

When asked about the possibility of being named a cabinet minister, Wilson-Raybould wouldn't speculate.

 To hear the full interview click on the audio labelled: Jody Wilson-Raybould, Vancouver Granville's new Liberal MP.