A Progressive Conservative candidate for the New Brunswick Legislature is facing significant backlash after making controversial comments during Truth and Reconciliation Day. Sherry Wilson, who is running for the new riding of Albert-Riverview, drew provocative parallels between Canada’s residential school system and recent changes to the province’s policies on 2SLGBTQ+ students.
Wilson’s comments come on the heels of the New Brunswick government’s 2023 amendments to Policy 713, which previously allowed students to adopt preferred names and pronouns at school without parental consent. Under the new guidelines, students under the age of 16 must now obtain parental consent to change their first names or pronouns at school.
On September 30, 2023, Wilson posted on social media, referencing the tragic history of residential schools, where Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and left vulnerable and isolated. She stated, "The horrible tragedy is a stain on Canadian history, but it was only allowed to happen because children enrolled in school were isolated from their parents’ oversight, input and influence." Her post implied a connection between this historical trauma and current parental involvement policies surrounding gender identity.
Wilson’s post quickly drew ire from various sectors, prompting harsh criticism from Indigenous leaders and political opponents alike. Chief Terry Richardson of the Pabineau First Nation expressed his anger over the remarks, deeming her statements not only inappropriate but also harmful, saying, "She should have knownbetter. It took away from what the day is really there for -- remembering our children who were lost and our First Nations children who are no longer with us."
Progressive Conservative leader Blaine Higgs attempted to distance the party from Wilson’s comments, declaring during media interviews, "There isn't a comparison to be made there." He emphasized the unique trauma inflicted by residential schools on Indigenous communities, acknowledging, "I think it’s important we recognize that's something we all take great angst over and we know it was traumatic. I don’t think it relates to today's discussion."
Other political figures expressed their displeasure as well, with Liberal Leader Susan Holt condemning Wilson's comments as "completely disrespectful and inappropriate," asserting they reflect ignorance of history and demonstrate the government's continued disrespect for First Nations. Green Party's deputy leader, Megan Mitton, described the statements as "abhorrent" and called for Wilson to issue a public apology, highlighting, "This is beyond tone deaf. It’s completely wrong and offensive, especially on Truth and Reconciliation Day."
The backlash against Wilson was not limited to critics outside the Conservative Party. The Wolastoqey Nation's six chiefs issued statements urging Wilson’s removal from the candidate roster and criticized her for associatively linking the provincial Policy 713 to the horrors of residential schools, labeling such comparisons as "unconscionable."
Richardson and the Wolastoqey chiefs emphasized the importance of holding public figures accountable for their comments about significant issues, especially ones affecting Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities. They called for greater awareness and sensitivity among politicians when discussing policies affecting minority groups.
Wilson’s comments echo previous remarks made by other Conservative candidates who have drawn parallels between parental rights and the residential school system. For example, Faytene Grasseschi, another Progressive Conservative candidate, previously claimed it was Indigenous parents who pointed out this purported connection, which Grasseschi herself acknowledged was not entirely accurate as the consequences of past policies and today's discussions are vastly different. Policy changes can have serious repercussions, but few would argue they equate to the historical injustices endured by Indigenous children and families through the residential school system.
When pressed for actions taken following Wilson's statement, Higgs indicated there would be no additional measures beyond Wilson's voluntary removal of the post, which was taken down soon after the criticism intensified. The Progressive Conservative Party faced criticism for not addressing the issue more seriously, particularly on such a significant day for Indigenous people.
Opposition leaders, including Holt and Mitton, highlighted the potential impact of these sentiments on the broader community and called out the need for more comprehensive education and training among all candidates about the histories and lives of Indigenous Peoples and marginalized groups. They advocated for Wilson to undergo training to understand the distinctions between her claims about parental rights and the realities faced by Indigenous families affected by residential schools.
Meanwhile, as the controversy continues to generate headlines, Wilson remains committed to her platform centered around parental rights, emphasizing the need for parents to be active participants in their children’s education, particularly concerning personal development matters like gender identity. The debate, now riveted around the question of parental involvement versus student autonomy, has reignited discussions about how best to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth within educational settings.
This event has raised pivotal questions about accountability and sensitivity among elected officials, especially as they navigate discussions surrounding the rights and identities of marginalized groups against the backdrop of Canada’s complex history with Indigenous peoples. The call for thoughtful dialogue continues to reverberate through political conversations as voters await the looming election, and all eyes remain on how the Progressive Conservative Party will handle this sensitive issue moving forward.
