Lax Kw’alaams Band

206 Shashaak Street, Lax Kw’alaams BC, VOV 1H0

For Immediate Release
September 14, 2009.

 Northwest Leaders Praise Veniez

Prince Rupert, BC – Aboriginal and other community leaders from BC’s northwest today applauded the decision of federal Liberals to select Daniel Veniez as their official candidate in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country.

John Helin, Chief Councilor for the Lax Kw’alaams Band of the Coast Tsimshian First Nation stated:  “Mr. Veniez is a leader that we have learned to trust. He doesn’t just talk, but provides real action and leadership. In our involvement with him he was brutally honest and expected the same from us. Dan had little patience for bureaucratic excuses and niceties for why something new couldn’t be tried between people of good faith. He wanted and insisted on results. Mr. Veniez brought to us a high degree of honesty, openness, and understanding. He is a straight-shooter and a good leader. We are pleased and encouraged that someone of his caliber has chosen to enter active public life. Canada needs him.”

Herb Pond, the former mayor of the City of Prince Rupert and a candidate for the BC Liberal Party in the last provincial election stated: “Dan Veniez made a genuine effort to contribute to the economic well-being of the Prince Rupert community. He put Ridley Terminals on the right track after years of neglect. He was unfortunately unsuccessful in restarting the dormant Skeena Cellulose. It wasn't for lack of intelligent effort and steadfast determination. But the fact that he and had to endure criticism is the mark leadership, commitment, and values that are key to those seeking important positions of senior political leadership. ” 

Calvin Helin, Author of the bestselling book, Dances with Dependency suggested that “Dan Veniez’s commitment to community is fundamental to building the kind of Canada that we would all like to see. His business experience and understanding of economic issues are key assets for the progressive development of the region in which he has chosen to run and the nation.”

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For More Information contact:  John Helin, Chief Councillor, Lax Kw’alaams
                                                Telephone: (250) 625 3293 Cell: (604) 290 2901