KENORA – Affordable housing is a key issue for people in Kenora-Rainy River and across Ontario, says Rudy Turtle.
“It’s such a big issue,” said the former Grassy Narrows (Asubpeeschoseewagong) First Nation chief, who is the riding’s NDP candidate for the Feb. 27 provincial election. “It’s a much needed thing in our area, especially for young families that are starting out.
“And so that’s something I’ll do my best to try to help people with. And this party, the NDP, we would like to do whatever we can to get more housing in our area. It is very important.”
His track record on housing includes securing a federal commitment last September to fund 50 new modular homes, a 20-unit apartment complex and construction of 10 new houses per year for three years in Grassy Narrows.
Also important is “helping people that are on the streets and being able to help our young people begin their lives in a proper way,” Turtle told Newswatch.
“And one of the issues that’s come up too is highway safety. We’ve been 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.”
Turtle’s political activities have included a key role in the Land Defence Alliance, a coalition of northern First Nations that was formed in January 2023 in response to what the First Nations say are violations of their sovereignty by the Ontario government in mining companies’ favour.
Other member First Nations of the alliance include Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Neskantaga, Muskrat Dam and, within the Kenora-Rainy River District, the Ojibways of Onigaming.
Turtle has also been a voice for his Anishinaabe community northeast of Kenora on the lingering effects of 1960s and 1970s mercury poisoning from a pulp mill in Dryden.
Turtle said he’s “very passionate about sports and recreation” and wants to see more “opportunities for young people to participate in sports.”
“There’s too much video games and stuff like that,” he said. “They’re not getting out as much as they used to.”
