B.C. Conservative leader kicks Dallas Brodie out of caucus for ‘mocking’ residential school testimony
The recent removal of MLA Dallas Brodie from the B.C. Conservative Party caucus has sparked controversy and division within the party, leading to at least two defections. The decision to expel Brodie was made by party leader John Rustad after her appearance on a podcast where she was seen belittling the testimony of former residential school survivors.
In the podcast, Brodie used a mocking, child-like voice to dismiss the accounts of abuse suffered by Indigenous children at residential schools. She made comments such as “my grandmother’s truth” and “my truth, your truth” in a disrespectful manner, leading to widespread backlash and calls for her removal from the party.
Rustad, in a written statement, condemned Brodie’s actions, stating that as an elected MLA, she had a responsibility to show respect and empathy towards survivors of abuse. He emphasized that mocking the traumatic experiences of residential school survivors, including instances of child sex abuse, was unacceptable and went against the values of the Conservative Party of B.C.
Following her expulsion, Brodie defiantly stated that she would “never back down” and defended her past remarks, including her controversial comments about the number of bodies found at the Kamloops Indian Residential School site. Brodie insisted that she was standing up for truth and questioning the narrative surrounding reconciliation efforts, which she described as a “multi-billion-dollar industry” driven by powerful vested interests.
However, Indigenous leaders and former politicians have condemned Brodie’s actions, describing them as hurtful and disrespectful. Melanie Mark, a former NDP MLA and member of multiple Indigenous nations, called on Brodie to apologize for her remarks, labeling them as a “hate crime.” Wade Grant, an intergovernmental affairs officer for the Musqueam First Nation, where Brodie represents, expressed disgust at her mocking comments and stated that her actions would continue to be a source of concern for the community.
The expulsion of Dallas Brodie from the B.C. Conservative Party caucus has highlighted the ongoing tensions and divisions within the party, with at least two MLAs defecting in response to the controversy. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful dialogue and understanding when addressing sensitive issues such as the legacy of residential schools and the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
