Thoughts from Metepenagiag Miꞌkmaq Chief Ward on legislature debate on Liberal motion calling for an inquiry into systemic racism in the justice system.
The minister of Aboriginal affairs amended the motion to remove reference to an inquiry. #nbpoli
The minister of Aboriginal affairs amended the motion to remove reference to an inquiry. #nbpoli
https://twitter.com/BillWard86/status/1337126974620397576
Minister Arlene Dunn cites the many recommendations to government in past that have yet to be implemented.
Reaction from one Green MLA on Dunn's amendment.
Reaction from one Green MLA on Dunn's amendment.
https://twitter.com/meganmitton/status/1337116257955483655?s=20
Green leader David Coon adds a sub-amendment to the end of Dunn's amended clause, on taking "vital steps" to eliminate racism, specifying that the method of investigation be approved by the Wolastoqey, Mi'kmaq and Passamaquoddy Nations.
Kris Austin, People's Alliance leader, is now up. He's worried about painting all law enforcement officers "with a bad brush."
"Whatever form [an investigation] takes, it needs to include the men and women that do the job on a day to day basis."
"Whatever form [an investigation] takes, it needs to include the men and women that do the job on a day to day basis."
Guy Arseneault says "history is watching," urges MLAs to remember this when voting on the motion.
Green MLA Kevin Arseneau says "we have 49 white people" talking about racism, and some opposed to what Indigenous people are asking for.
"I find that completely condescending," he said.
"I find that completely condescending," he said.
"We are 49 very ignorant people, and we do not know what first nations are going through. You want action? Get to work," Arseneau says, noting it's possible to have immediate action and an inquiry at the same time.
That's in response to a speech from PC MLA Dominic Cardy, who says inquiries to date have failed to result in real action, and this would be the same unsuccessful approach. Says he's in support of "action," but not an inquiry.
Liberal Lisa Harris says Minister Dunn's stance today has only accomplished keeping her seat in cabinet (reference to MLA Jake Stewart losing the Aboriginal Affairs file after siding with chiefs on the need for an inquiry).
Harris says the stance that government knows better than Indigenous chiefs on how to address an issue in their communities is paternalistic.
And the bells are ringing (recorded vote happening).
And the bells are ringing (recorded vote happening).
Greens, Liberals, and People's Alliance members all vote in favour, along with PC Jake Stewart -- this is met with much applause.
All other PCs vote against, and the sub-amendment fails 24-23.
All other PCs vote against, and the sub-amendment fails 24-23.
https://twitter.com/s_awde7/status/1337133614832685062?s=20
And again we ring the bells for a recorded vote on the motion, as amended by the Tories to remove all mention of an inquiry.
Again, Tory MLA Jake Stewart votes against his party against the motion as amended by Dunn to remove the inquiry -- along with the Liberals, Alliance, and Green members.
All other Progressive Conservatives vote for the motion as amended.
Motion *without* inquiry passes 24-23.
All other Progressive Conservatives vote for the motion as amended.
Motion *without* inquiry passes 24-23.
Reaction to government's stance today from Chief Ward.
https://twitter.com/BillWard86/status/1337152359693250561?s=20
Ward tells me by interview he doesn't get upset often, but today's vote has made him pretty upset -- "feeling sick to his stomach."
Will have more of his thoughts & debate recap here very soon: tj.news/story/10143391…
Will have more of his thoughts & debate recap here very soon: tj.news/story/10143391…
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
