Boissonnault apologizes for shifting statements about family’s Indigeneity
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Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault issued an apology on Friday for the confusion surrounding his family’s Indigenous heritage. He admitted to not being as clear as he could have been and stated that he had asked the Liberal Party to correct the record after they referred to him as Indigenous.
Boissonnault has been under scrutiny for his statements regarding his family background. While he has never claimed to be Indigenous, he has mentioned his great-grandmother as a Cree woman in public statements, received a Cree name in 2021, used Cree language in Parliamentary proceedings, and identified himself as a “non-status adopted Cree.”
Last week, a National Post report revealed that Boissonnault’s former company, Global Health Imports, was labeled as “Indigenous-owned” during a bid for a federal contract. In response, Boissonnault stated that his mother and brother are Métis, although he had previously described his family background as Cree.
In an effort to clarify his identity, Boissonnault referred to himself as a “non-status adopted Cree” after consulting with an Indigenous researcher. However, the researcher denied advising him to use those specific terms. Boissonnault acknowledged that his chosen terminology was inaccurate and apologized for any confusion.
Despite claims from the Liberal Party that Boissonnault is Indigenous, he denied ever indicating his Indigenous status to the party. He also mentioned that he stopped participating in the Liberal Indigenous caucus upon joining the cabinet in 2021, clarifying that his role in the caucus was that of an ally.
Opposition leaders, including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, have criticized Boissonnault. Poilievre accused him of issuing a “fake apology” and called for his resignation, while Singh highlighted concerns about a potential conflict of interest related to Boissonnault’s former business dealings.
An ethics committee is currently investigating allegations that Boissonnault maintained ties to his former business partner, Stephen Anderson, after assuming his ministerial position. Text messages between the two individuals have raised questions about the extent of their ongoing collaboration.
Boissonnault has denied any improper involvement with Anderson and has accused him of using his name without consent for personal gain. Singh emphasized the need for transparency and integrity from government officials, stating that Canadians deserve better from their representatives.