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As well, Kinew promised to include Indigenous communities around the table before major projects begin, and create a job fund for Indigenous communities. He promised to reform the child welfare system to recognize the right of Indigenous children to grow up in Indigenous households, and he promised to create a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Committee of Cabinet led by Indigenous women.

The NDP did not provide any further details on these promises. Kinew was unavailable for comment during his trip.

A NDP spokesperson said the response from the northern communities has been fantastic.

“People are ready for a government and a Premier will work with communities – not against them — to fix Pallister’s health care crisis, create good jobs, and keep life affordable,” the spokesperson said.

A PC spokesperson said the Tories are doing more than the former NDP government did when it held office for 17 years.

“Wab Kinew and the NDP are committed to shutting down our mining sector, making it harder for Manitoba to sell our products on the global market and making life less affordable by imposing a devastatingly high carbon tax on northerners,” the PC spokesperson said. “Meanwhile, the PC Party is committed to building a better future for northerners by lowering taxes, fighting crime and investing in good jobs in the tourism and resource industries.”

The PC spokesperson said a Tory government would deliver strong, sustainable economic growth and good jobs throughout northern Manitoba.

dunger@postmedia.com

Twitter: @dantonunger