BC Conservative candidate under fire for comments about First Nations
With just over a week to go until election day, another BC Conservative candidate is coming under fire. This time, for comments about First Nations communities.
And there are calls for an apology.
Dallas Brodie, who is the Conservative candidate in Vancouver-Quilchena, was speaking at an all-candidates debate Thursday evening. In trying to clarify previous comments from a podcast “some time ago,” she said when people say they want to be First Nations and want autonomy and equal footing, those rights also come with responsibility.
“When a large percentage of your people are on the Downtown Eastside, it’s important that you come and take responsibility for that piece as well. It’s not okay to leave your people,” she said.
Wade Grant, a member of the Musqueam Indian Band, who attended the meeting and posted video of Brodie’s comments to social media, said there were “audible gasps” in reaction to what she said.
“You could tell there were people in the audience who were uncomfortable with the answer,” he said, adding that, “My reaction was one of disbelief for somebody who wants to be a leader in this province.”
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said, “I find the comment to be absolutely disgusting, ignorant and profoundly stupid.”
He said people from all walks of life and ethnicities have ended up on the Downtown Eastside.
“There’s people down there that suffer from the trauma of residential schools and terrible situations,” he said.
“Our collective efforts to change the situation on the Downtown Eastside, all levels of government bear responsibility,” he explained.
When asked about Brodie’s remarks, Conservative leader John Rustad said he hadn’t heard them, but that, “We have worked with elders and community leaders in the First Nations communities across this province, had a number of conversations about it, about making sure we have treatment and recovery available within First Nations.”
NDP Leader David Eby was also asked about what Brodie said.
“These are comments candidates are saying, but it reflects a value system. It reflects a core set of beliefs we’re seeing from John Rustad and his candidates,” said Eby said.
Phillip said Rustad should demand the candidate apologize.
Brodie did not respond by deadline to a CTV News request for an interview.
- Compare platforms from B.C.’s three biggest political parties
- Get important information on casting your ballot in B.C.
- See which candidates are running in your riding
- View live election results beginning at 8 p.m. on voting day
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alberta Premier Smith gets 91 per cent support in leadership review
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith received a dominating 91.5 per cent vote of support from her United Conservative Party members in a scheduled leadership review vote on Saturday.
'It’s a dream come true’: Holt, Liberal cabinet sworn-in to office
Susan Holt, the province’s first female premier, and 18 cabinet ministers took the oath of office in the chamber of the legislative assembly.
Vancouver quietly proclaimed Chip Wilson Day as billionaire installed sign calling B.C. NDP 'communist'
On the same day Chip Wilson erected a controversial sign at his Vancouver mansion, the city was quietly honouring the billionaire and his wife.
Here's what you can buy for $729,000 in 8 Ottawa neighbourhoods
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what you can buy for the average Ottawa home price of $729,000 in eight Ottawa neighbourhoods.
Florida's convicted killer clown released from prison for the murder of her husband's then-wife
A woman who pleaded guilty to dressing as a clown and in 1990 murdering the wife of a man she later married was released from prison on Saturday.
Calgary police issue warning after receiving over 150 calls relating to personal fireworks
Calgary police issued a media statement Saturday reminding residents about the rules regarding personal fireworks after receiving over 150 complaints.
Carter speaks of legacy, relationship with Raptors fans ahead of jersey retirement
Vince Carter spoke about family, legacy, anger, and ultimately, love in an emotional news conference ahead of his jersey being retired by the Toronto Raptors.
The impact of Trump's lies in Springfield, Ohio
Springfield, Ohio was once a manufacturing hub. Now, people know it for Trump's comments at September's presidential debate, when he famously - and falsely - told an audience of 67 million people that Haitians eat their pets, echoing claims that had circulated on social media.
India trashes Canada for linking home minister to Sikh activist plot
India officially protested on Saturday the Canadian government's allegation that the country's powerful home minister Amit Shah had ordered the targeting of Sikh activists inside Canada, calling it 'absurd and baseless.'