SASK RIDING FIGHT

[CHIMO]

The federal by-election in Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River in northern Saskatchewan still two months away. But, already, there is loathing on the campaign trail . . . at least among Liberals there.

The riding is one of only a handful in Canada where First Nations voters make up the majority. And many of those voters are angry that Liberal leader Stephane Dion has appointed the party's candidate in the race, instead of letting them elect one on their own. This weekend, dozens gathered in Prince Albert to make plans to fight back.

Marcel Head was there. He's the chief of the Shoal Lake First Nation and a Liberal party member. We reached him in Pakwa Lake, Saskatchewan.

http://www.cbc.ca/asithappens/latestshow.html

http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/asithappens/20080114-aih-2.wmv

Starts at 13:47 into the part.

231 Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River

Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River
DISTRICT: Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River
Candidate Party Vote Count Vote Share Elected
Gary Merasty LIB 10191 41.37% X
Jeremy Harrison CON 10124 41.09%
Anita Jackson NDP 3787 15.37%
John A. McDonald GRN 534 2.17%
December 14, 2:04:38 PM EST 172 of 172 polls reporting

http://www.cbc.ca/canadavotes/riding/231/

Looks to me that the Conservatives will pick up this riding in the next election. Also looks to me that the former finance minister will loose his influence in the party.