Release: Aboriginal Candidate Seeking Nomination in Toronto-Centre By-Election August 15, 2013 Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on LinkedIn Email For Immediate Release August 15, 2013 TORONTO – The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission (Ontario) is committed to having at least 10 Aboriginal candidates running for the Liberal Party in Ontario in the 2015 federal election. The APC believes that Aboriginal representation in politics and Parliament is crucial to bringing about the change in the Crown-Aboriginal relationship that all Canadians desire. The APC (O) is pleased that an Aboriginal candidate has declared for the Liberal nomination in Toronto-Centre, where there will be a by-election to fill the seat left by the resignation of former interim leader and MP, Bob Rae. Todd Ross is well-known in the community and in Liberal and Aboriginal circles. He is a regional vice-president of the Ontario Liberal Party as well as a member of the Métis Nation of Ontario and volunteer with the Toronto and York Region Métis Council. “I’m a proud Metis and a proud Liberal,” says Ross, who is on leave from his position as senior consultant for community engagement and the Aboriginal health lead at the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network. The APC does not endorse specific candidates, though individual executive members are free to do so. “Encouraging Aboriginal participation in politics is a key mandate of the APC and we are happy to see Todd enter the race” says Steven Vanloffeld, President of the APC (Ontario). “An Aboriginal candidate highlights the strong presence of Aboriginal agencies and people in the riding. Toronto-Centre is home to a rich and vibrant Indigenous community, but one that experiences many challenges. The community is looking for a strong voice to give rise to many of the issues that often go unnoticed.” Glenn Wheeler, VP Policy for the APC, adds that it’s important to have Aboriginal candidates in urban ridings in light of the fact that more and more of our people are city dwellers. “With First Nations people, for example, more people live off-reserve now than ever before”. More information on the Todd Ross campaign can be found at toddross.ca The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission extends best wishes to Todd and to all candidates in the Toronto-Centre nomination contest. – 30 – For more information on the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission, please contact: Kevin Seesequasis Vice-President (Communications) Contact Us