Lori Idlout, Member of Parliament for Inuvik, and Parliamentary critic for Crown-indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, spoke highly of Gilbert Whiteduck. She said that Parliament needs more Indigenous voices like Whiteduck’s to speak in favour of preserving the environment and helping those who have been sidelined by colonial politics. “We need more informed voices in Parliament to help  push through the seriously needed solutions.”

Larry Rousseau, Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress, who has known Whiteduck since childhood, introduced his friend to the audience. Rousseau described Whiteduck as highly accomplished in many ways. Whiteduck has earned five university degrees, including an honorary doctorate, and has worked for over thirty years as an educator. He now works as a counsellor for people suffering alcohol and drug abuse, is very actively involved with many organizations in the riding and nationally, and is often called upon to speak and to share his views. He was a highly-respected chief at Kitigan-Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and as educator helped found a school for the Indigenous community.

 I know Michel Gauthier. I know Sophie Chatel and I don’t know who they will pick for the Bloc. But I can tell you, none of them, none of them measure up to Gilbert’s humanity. Gilbert is not about doing what is easy. He is about doing what is right.” -Larry Rouseau

Gilbert Whiteduck spoke about his upbringing and the poverty his family endured.  His father taught him to be determined in one’s life actions. “I am not part of any elite and feel that one of my strengths lies in connection with people, my heart to-heart-to-heart connection that I work to develop with each person I contact.” Whiteduck will use his campaign to listen to the views of all the people of the riding, find out about their concerns and listen to their solutions. 

“As Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi member of Parliament, I will be there to serve all the residents of the riding. I will be the people’s representative and will speak to the issues that work for people, no matter how uncomfortable others may be about it.”