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
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
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.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.