Carney distances himself from late father’s views of some Indigenous people, residential schools

Liberal Leader Mark Carney has publicly distanced himself from the controversial views expressed by his late father, Robert J. Carney, regarding Indigenous people and residential schools. In a recent campaign event in Oakville, Ont., Carney made it clear that he does not share his father’s dismissive attitudes towards Indigenous individuals.

The elder Carney, who passed away in 2009, was a Catholic educator who held various positions, including being a university professor. However, his comments from a 1965 CBC Radio interview resurfaced, where he referred to Indigenous children as “culturally retarded” and defended the assimilationist policies of the time. These remarks have drawn criticism in light of the atrocities committed at residential schools, as acknowledged by the federal government in a 2019 settlement.

Despite later acknowledging instances of physical and sexual abuse at residential schools in a 1991 study, Robert Carney continued to defend the overall work of educators in these institutions. He downplayed the negative impact of residential schools and dismissed Indigenous-led studies that highlighted their harmful effects as biased.

Mark Carney, on the other hand, recognizes the deep-rooted trauma caused by residential schools and Indian day schools. He acknowledges the “fundamental damage” inflicted on generations of Indigenous individuals and their descendants. As part of his commitment to truth and reconciliation, Carney emphasized the importance of addressing the dark legacy of residential schools and continuing efforts towards healing and reconciliation.

It remains unclear whether Robert Carney’s views evolved over time, particularly after the release of the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples report. The government’s settlement with residential school survivors in 2006 highlighted the need for accountability and acknowledgment of the injustices perpetrated in these institutions.

As Canada grapples with its colonial past and seeks to build a more inclusive and equitable society, leaders like Mark Carney play a crucial role in confronting historical injustices and working towards a more just future. The conversation surrounding residential schools and Indigenous rights remains an integral part of Canada’s ongoing journey towards reconciliation and healing.