With the federal election looming, the recently reconfigured riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River will see a three-way-dance to determine who will emerge as the constituency’s next Member of Parliament. Until recently, the riding was represented by Conservative MP Gary Vidal. However, Vidal chose not to seek re-election when it was determined boundary changes would remove Meadow Lake from Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River and merge it with the newly reconfigured Battlefords-Lloydminster-Meadow Lake electoral district.
Meanwhile, two of the individuals who have put their name forward in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River for the April 28 vote have the shared experience of having served provincially as MLAs for the Athabasca riding. First among these two men is Liberal candidate Buckley Belanger. “I’ve spent much of my life dedicated to serving and advocating for the people of northern Saskatchewan,” Belanger told Northern Pride. “From my early days in broadcasting to my time as the mayor of Ile-a-la Crosse and later as an MLA, I’ve had the privilege of helping my community in various capacities. I served in the provincial cabinet as minister of environment and resource management, as well as associate minister of intergovernmental and aboriginal affairs. Throughout my career, I’ve always fought to ensure the voice of the north is heard in decision-making processes.”
Although Belanger was re-elected mayor of Ilea-la Crosse last fall, he is now seeking to represent Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River in Ottawa because he believes the region deserves more attention and respect. “I want to stand up for the issues that matter most to us – whether it’s healthcare, highways or fighting against unfair policies from outside our region, like those imposed by Donald Trump’s trade tariffs,” he said.
Speaking further on the trade issues currently facing Canada, Belanger said the entire matter has been incredibly challenging, particularly for regions like the north. “Trump wants our land and our water,” he noted. “Northern Saskatchewan is rich with resources. He may think he can take Canada and make us the 51st state, but we will never let him take northern Saskatchewan. Northern communities, including Indigenous businesses and local industries, have been hit hard by tariffs and trade barriers. As someone who has worked in resource management and as an advocate for our local industries, I understand how critical it is for us to stand up against these unfair practices. We must push back against these harmful tariffs, not just as a matter of trade, but as a matter of fairness. Canada needs a strong voice in Ottawa who will work tirelessly to protect our interests, especially in the north. To improve our relationship with the United States, I believe we must continue to pursue diplomatic solutions and strengthen ties with other global partners, while never compromising on what is right for Canada. As an MP, I will always stand up for northern communities and ensure our voice is heard in these important negotiations.” In terms of other important issues facing Canada and the riding in particular, Belanger said there are a unique set of challenges.
“From access to healthcare and education to infrastructure development and job creation, these issues require a leader who knows the north and understands its needs,” he said. “For example, access to healthcare remains a major concern. People in our rural and Indigenous communities need better access to doctors, facilities and healing. Education is also key – our youth deserve the opportunity to succeed, but we need better support for schools and post-secondary institutions. Additionally, infrastructure needs in the north are critical for economic development and improving the quality of life. As MP, I would work with all levels of government to secure funding and advocate for the development of infrastructure projects that will benefit our communities. I’m committed to ensuring our region gets its fair share and the unique needs of our people are always prioritized.”
The candidate went on to reiterate Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River is a unique riding. “It is massive in size, spanning half of the province,” he said. “It also is a purely northern riding, home to vibrant Indigenous communities. The potential of these communities to make a difference this election cannot be understated. Following the boundary changes for the riding since last election, this riding has the highest proportion of Indigenous voters in the country. Our natural resources are among the most important in the country, and yet we often face challenges in having our voices heard in Ottawa. The diversity and strength of our people, the beauty of our landscapes and the resilience of our communities make this riding stand out. I am proud to represent the north, and, as MP, I would work tirelessly to ensure the concerns of our people are never overlooked. Our region deserves a strong voice to advocate for our unique needs, and that’s why I’m running to be MP.”
Outside of politics, Belanger is a proud father and grandfather with three daughters and six grandchildren. “I also enjoy sports and playing poker with friends,” he said. “I spend a lot of time on the road. Our family has deep roots in Ile-a-la Crosse, and it’s where we continue to live and raise our family. I’ve dedicated my life to advocating for my community, and I’m committed to ensuring Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River gets the attention and support it deserves from Ottawa. I believe in the strength of our people and our ability to overcome any challenge.” Meanwhile, looking to represent the Conservative Party in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River following the upcoming vote is former Saskatchewan Party Athabasca MLA Jim Lemaigre.
“I’m running to be the Member of Parliament because I believe the people of the north deserve a voice in Ottawa who understands the land, the peoples and the real challenges our communities face,” Lemaigre said. “I want to bring that experience and passion for service to the federal level and ensure our region isn’t forgotten.”
Lemaigre is a former RCMP member and Clearwater River Dene Nation band councillor who, prior to winning a 2022 by-election to be named MLA, unsuccessfully challenged Teddy Clark for the role of CRDN chief. During his time with the provincial government, Lemaigre served as legislative secretary to the minister of government relations as well as the legislative secretary responsible for mental health and addictions to the minister of mental health and addictions, seniors and rural and remote health. He was also a member of the standing committee on public accounts.
“This riding is special – not just because of its size, but because of its heart,” Lemaigre said. “It’s home to a powerful mix of First Nations, Métis, northern and rural communities. We speak many languages, come from many traditions, and live across one of the most beautiful and resource rich landscapes in the country. What sets us apart is our resilience, our culture and our connection to the land. We don’t need outsiders telling us who we are or what we need. We need representation that listens, respects and fights for us. That’s the kind of leader I’ve been – and the kind I’ll continue to be.”
Also running in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River in the April 28 federal election is NDP candidate Doug Racine. “I am a veteran with 12 years of military service, including an overseas peacekeeping tour of duty in Cyprus,” Racine said. “I practiced criminal, civil and administrative law for 25 years, founding and leading the Aboriginal Law Group – a firm with five Indigenous lawyers – located on Muskeg Lake Urban Reserve. I represented multiple Indigenous organizations at the highest levels of court fighting for justice in residential school claims and environmental clean-up cases. I am a descendent of the Red River Métis who came from a family of seven. I worked with my father on the family trapline and became a registered hunting guide at the age of 15. Through my law practice I have strived to advance the rights of Indigenous people. After appearing at the highest courts of Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia arguing for Indigenous rights, I came to believe I have achieved all the advancements I could as a lawyer. I believe we need to change the laws to continue to advance the sovereignty rights of Indigenous people and that is what has motivated me to run for Parliament.” Much like Belanger, Racine shared his insight to the ongoing trade war with the U.S.
“We need to stand up to Donald Trump,” he said. “In order to stand up to him, we need to ensure all Canadians are feeling the benefits of this country. We need to act urgently to ensure housing, healthcare and economic opportunities are available to everyone. To stand up to Trump, we need to be united. Part of being united is caring for everyone in our country and ensuring we are not leaving anyone behind.”
Locally, Racine believes there is a lack of quality, affordable housing across the constituency. “Addictions issues also plague many communities,” he noted. “The wealth of our resources are flowing to rich corporations instead of benefiting the people who live in our communities. I will fight to keep the wealth generated in northern Saskatchewan in northern Saskatchewan. I will fight to ensure there is housing for everyone and proper treatment for addictions is available when and where it is needed. This is a riding where the race is between the Liberals and the NDP. Voters can decide if they want someone to fight for their interests or carry on with Liberal broken promises.”
When not campaigning, Racine enjoys spending time visiting his grandchildren. “I am also an avid berry picker and have a keen interest in history,” he said. “I also have an identical twin brother whose picture is sometimes used by the media instead of my own.”