Winnipeg mayor calls on Manitoba premier to apologize for Canadian history comments
Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman wants Premier Brian Pallister to say sorry for comments he made three weeks ago about Canada’s history.
“I think any comments that either deny or attempt to marginalize the purposes or the impact of residential schools it’s just not historically accurate,” said Bowman.
The mayor says in recent meetings with Indigenous leaders, the topic has dominated the conversations and is aggravating efforts at reconciliation.
He believes the premier needs to apologize to move forward.
“I was quite angered by the comments because I along with so many Winnipeggers have put so much effort into building bridges,” said Bowman.
Earlier this month, Pallister announced the two Queen statues toppled during a protest on Canada Day would be rebuilt. The Premier explained our ancestors came here to build and not destroy things, including farms, businesses, and churches.
Indigenous leaders felt the remarks were revisionist and insensitive.
Pallister has stood by his comments saying he was not talking about colonialism and was appealing to all people to work together.
Following the remarks, Indigenous Relations Minister Eileen Clarke resigned and her replacement, Alan Lagimodiere, apologized for controversial statements he made about residential schools minutes after he was sworn in.
There have been small cracks within Pallister's cabinet and the PC caucus with some distancing themselves from all of the remarks.
Families Minister Rochelle Squires has said she is deeply troubled by recent comments and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard said she can’t support hurtful remarks.
“I’ve been waiting along with a lot of Manitobans for the Premier to apologize,” said Bowman. “If his caucus won’t publicly insist that he apologize, then it falls on community leaders like myself and others.”
Bowman called for the apology on Twitter, less than two hours before a funding announcement with media and all three levels of government represented.
The Pallister Government was asked about the timing and released a statement.
“Premier and cabinet are focused on real reconciliation efforts and advancing equal opportunity for all. Only the mayor can comment on what his personal motivations are for himself,” the statement reads.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.