Manitoba cabinet minister hints at trouble with premier's remarks on Canadian history
A Manitoba cabinet minister, saying she cannot support remarks if they add to the hurt of traumatized people, has distanced herself slightly from Premier Brian Pallister's comments on Canadian history.
Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard was asked Friday for her reaction to Pallister's remarks earlier this month that have drawn widespread condemnation from Indigenous leaders.
"We are not here to add any hurt to traumatized people, and I don't believe that anyone in their hearts intend(s) to do so, but again, we all need to listen, we all need to learn, and we need to grow together," Guillemard said.
Guillemard made similar comments on social media last week, without naming the premier, when she said she could not support hurtful remarks. She was asked Friday whether the subject of her social media post included the premier's comments.
"If that added hurt to traumatized people, absolutely," she replied.
The controversy started after protesters toppled two statues of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria on the legislature grounds. Pallister denounced the vandalism, and said people who came to Canada -- both before and after it became a country -- did not come to destroy anything but rather to build communities, churches and businesses.
Indigenous leaders said Pallister was downplaying the harmful effects of colonialism. The premier stood by his words, added he never used the word colonialism, and said he was trying to appeal for people to work together.
Pallister's Indigenous relations minister quit her cabinet post two days later. Her replacement, Alan Lagimodiere, stirred up more anger by defending some of the intent behind residential schools. He fully apologized.
The fallout grew when two Indigenous business leaders resigned from government economic development boards. One called for Pallister to resign.
Other members of the Progressive Conservative cabinet did not directly answer Friday when asked whether they support Pallister's remarks on Canadian history.
"If we're talking right now, we're not listening. We need to listen, continue to listen, have input and move forward with reconciliation," said Derek Johnson, minister of municipal relations.
"The benefits I've had as a (legislature member) is that I continue to learn every day about new things and old things, in terms of residential schools and the reconciliation process, and we're going down that path," said Reg Helwer, minister of central services.
One political analyst said the Progressive Conservative caucus seems to be sending a message.
"It gives a sense of where the caucus and cabinet are with Pallister right now.," said Royce Koop, who teaches political studies at the University of Manitoba.
"There's dissatisfaction and a willingness to gently criticize and contradict the premier. But there's no appetite to openly and aggressively denounce his comments."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Security guard shot, critically injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.