Councillor apologizes for arguing against residential school training
WINNIPEG — A Winnipeg city councillor is apologizing after arguing city employees such as “grass cutters” and “pothole fillers” don’t need sensitivity training on residential schools.
Jeff Browaty spoke out against a training initiative for city workers during a debate Wednesday on adopting 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
In a statement following the debate, Browaty said a half-day training session would take roughly 10,000 people away from their jobs.
“That would equal 5,000 working days people would be away from their jobs and in this training,” stated Browaty, who is also chair of the police services board. “I don’t think it’s necessary for a grass cutter, payroll clerk or pothole filler to take this training.