Jim Pankiw, 43, served two terms in the House of Commons representing Saskatoon-Humboldt. (CBC)

Former Saskatoon member of Parliament Jim Pankiw launched what he hopes will be his political comeback Thursday at an often rambling news conference filled with long pauses and some awkward moments.

Pankiw, 43, a two-term Reform and Canadian Alliance MP representing Saskatoon-Humboldt, told reporters in Saskatoon he plans to run as an independent candidate in the next federal election.

Before he got to that, however, he gave reporters an account of his modest beginnings, which included living in a trailer near Unity, Sask., and sleeping on a concrete floor.

Pankiw is known for his controversial comments about aboriginal people, some which have resulted in human rights complaints.

He didn't back away from those comments Thursday, saying he would be campaigning against "race-based" government spending policies. He also called Saskatchewan First Nations chiefs "racists."

"I don't think Indians should have special race-based privileges," Pankiw said. "I think we should all be equal. Do Italians have special race-based privileges? Chinese people? Ukrainians? Germans? Not that I know of, but Indians do."

Pankiw, who sat as an independent before his election defeat in 2004, lost three other bids for elected office.

This time, Pawkiw said, he expects to turn the tide by using the internet.

"I don't need the media," Pankiw said. "My website is how I'm going to communicate with people and do an end-run right around the media."

As the press conference continued, there were long pauses in between comments, and at times, Pankiw sat silently, staring at reporters.

One reporter walked out of the event.

When a reporter asked why someone who wanted to do an end-run around the media had called a press conference, Pankiw drew in a deep breath and paused before replying, "Well, back at you."

During Pankiw's at-times combative presentation, he laughed, gesticulated and occasionally raised his voice.

There was a long silence when a reporter — who suggested Pankiw's demeanor seemed "off-kilter" — asked him whether he was sober.

"OK, I would put that in the category of extraneous, which I won't answer," he said. "But that's a strange question."