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‘Racist and hateful dialogue will only create division’: MP Falk

Feb 15, 2018 | 9:00 AM

Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Rosemarie Falk is calling for patience and understanding in the wake of Friday’s not guilty verdict of Gerald Stanley in the shooting death of Colton Boushie in Aug. of 2016.

Falk met with the Boushie family in Ottawa on Wednesday along with Cathy McLeod, Shadow Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Kevin Waugh, Deputy Shadow Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs to convey their sympathies to the family.

“My colleagues and I met with members of the Boushie family and expressed our condolences,” said Falk. “I cannot imagine that accompanies the loss of a loved one in such circumstances.”

Boushie, 22, of the Red Pheasant First Nation was shot and killed after he and four others drove onto Biggar area farmer Gerald Stanley’s farm. The not guilty verdict by the jury on Friday sent shockwaves across Canada with cries of discrimination and calls for changes to how juries are chosen when it comes to Indigenous people.

“It’s important that we guard our words and not react from a position of anger and fear,” she added. “Racist and hateful dialogue from any member in our constituency will not solve any of the problems in our communities. It will only serve to create greater divisions.”

Falk said that this is a very diffucult time and that she is prepared to work with community members, provincial and municipal governments, police agencies and local organizations to find practical steps towards strengthening safety and harmony in Battlefords-Lloydminster.

 

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @RJWtheReporter