B.C. Liberal leader Gordon Campbell, with candidate Marion Wright (left), spoke to supporters in Campbell River Saturday. (CBC)Both the NDP and Liberal party leaders were courting the aboriginal vote during campaign tours in B.C. Saturday.
Liberal leader Gordon Campbell was campaigning on Vancouver Island, and the New Democrats received an endorsement from a high-profile First Nations leader.
When Carole James's campaign bus rolled into Penticton, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and his wife, Joan, were there to greet her.
"Joan and I have been members of the NDP forever because of the social values," he said.
Phillip is known as an influential leader of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.
In late 2006, he delivered the opening address at the B.C. Liberal convention in Penticton.
Phillip said he had seen an incredible change in Gordon Campbell, and he hoped the Liberals would "three-peat" — or be elected for a third term.
But on Saturday, Phillip said he's always been a New Democrat, although he does support the Liberals' policy of recognizing aboriginal title.
"But on the other issues, privatization of the rivers, the fish farm issue and all of those kinds of issues, the B.C. Liberals do not enjoy the broad support of First Nations," Phillip said.
He said he's still waiting for the Liberals to make good on their 2005 commitment to a new relationship with aboriginal people — a theme James echoes.
"I have to tell you I'm disappointed we haven't seen the implementation of the new relationship," James said.
Meanwhile, Campbell made a stop on northern Vancouver Island Saturday.
He spoke about progress with the First Nations community in trying to gain support for star candidate Marion Wright in the North Island riding.
"What a great place to be and what a great place to elect a great MLA with positive leadership, with a positive vision, someone who will represent people from all the communities in the North Island — Marion Wright," Campbell said to cheers from the crowd.
Wright, a First Nations leader, has been endorsed by other prominent local leaders in the aboriginal community, but Campbell acknowledged that doesn't guarantee the vote.
"Aboriginal people will vote who they think is best to lead us through this and come out on the other side even stronger," Campbell said.
He continued to tell supporters the only choice for a strong economic future lies with the Liberals.
