b'PREPARING FOR ELECTIONSTHE PERSONALOur political system being as it is now, overtaken by ispolitical parties, quells real discussion and progress.POLITICAL - Jody Wilson-Raybouldto the campaign website of those currently holding that power, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party claim that over the last six years, theyve worked to reduce the number of Indigenous children in care and support Indigenous communities in keeping families together. Theyre focusing their upcoming campaign on addressing systemic racism against Indigenous peoples in the health-care and justice system, as well as ensuring clean water infrastructure for commun-ities. Pierre Poilievre has stood staunchly opposed to Trudeau since becoming the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada in September 2022. His partys platform has promised to improve the living condi-tions of Indigenous Canadians in terms of economic opportunity, health, educa-tion and community safety. Meanwhile, the New Democratic Party declaredSt. Lawrence College is situated on the traditional their commitment to undertaking thelands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee important work of reconciliation in true and equal partnership with Indigenouspeoples; we are grateful to live and learn on these communities across the country withlands. With campuses in Kingston, Brockville, and respect for Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people positioned to beCornwall, SLC delivers education and training at the core of a new Crown-Indigenousthat meets the needs of community, industry, relationship.and employers.The problem with political partisanship, says Wilson-Raybould, is that it overtakes the real discussions that need to happenThe College prepares students to succeed in on the issues where political parties maythe global economy through relevant, practical have differing points of view. It overtakes the ability to actually have those conversa- programs and experiential learning opportunities. tions and try to build consensus aroundSLC oers facilitated admission for Indigenous ideas, because different opinions on issues are important in creating the beststudents, a dedicated Indigenous Services team, approach or the most balanced approachand a place for belonging and connection at the to issues. Our political system being as it is now, overtaken by political parties, quellsWaasaabiidaasamose Indigenous Centre.real discussion and progress.When it comes time to decide who tostlawrencecollege.cavote for, Wilson-Raybould stresses to any person, Indigenous or not, to learn whos out there and what the different party Ontario Native Womens Association15'