Nuanced. 86. Ellis Ross: Addressing Poverty in Indigenous Communities
Aaron asks Ellis about his personal background, his thoughts on the role of Chief & Council, poverty in Indigenous communities, and his past interview on CTV Power Play.
Ellis Ross was elected MLA for Skeena in 2017 and again in 2020. He currently serves as the Official Opposition Critic for Energy and LNG. Ross has previously served as the Official Opposition Critic for Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing. He has worked in both the private and public sectors, with business experience in hand logging, beach-combing, and construction.
Ross worked full-time as a taxi boat operator until the Haisla Nation Council requested that he become their first full-time councillor. Ellis served in this position for eight years, from 2003 to 2011. In 2011, Ellis was elected Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation and was re-elected by acclamation in 2013.
Ross has been recognized as a business leader by both BC Business magazine and Canadian Business magazine. In 2012, Ross was appointed the inaugural chair of the Aboriginal Business and Investment Council. In 2014, he was the only First Nations leader among 25 Canadians invited by then-Finance Minister Jim Flaherty to attend a public policy and budget retreat. In recognition of his community service, Ross was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2013 and the Order of B.C. in 2014.
Ross actively enjoys golf, soccer, and basketball. He has a passion for seeing people succeed in athletics, school, and life, which drove his coaching style. One of the highlights of his career is coaching the Mount Elizabeth Secondary School senior girl’s basketball team to a zone championship. He is a proud father of two daughters and a proud grandfather.
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