The IPC strongly condemns Brad Trost’s (MP Saskatoon – University) comparison of new curriculum to the plight of Residential Schools

September 22, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In a recent speech to potential supporters, CPC MP for Saskatoon-University and CPC leadership candidate, Brad Trost compared the trauma and legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools to Ontario’s sexual education curriculum. The IPC strongly condemns such comparison; highlighting that there is a strong difference between both – with Residential Schools being mandatory for Indigenous youth and Ontario’s sexual education curriculum allowing for parents to have their children opted-out.

IPC Co-Chair, Chad Cowie, expressed that “CPC MP Brad Trost’s utilization and equaling of the horrors of the Canadian Residential Schools legacy to that of Ontario’s Sex-Ed Curriculum is disturbing. His remarks are an example of the continued ignorance and lack of understanding towards Indigenous peoples and histories.” Cowie further expressed that “to equate ‘killing the Indian in the child’ with learning to accept and understand LGBT people or our bodies is distorting facts, reality, and the history of colonialism in Canada.”

Trost’s riding of Saskatoon-University is within a province with strong, vibrant and large populations of First Nations and Métis peoples, communities and organizations. Therefore the IPC strongly suggest Trost apologize for such comparison.

The IPC also encourage Trost to reach out and learn from residential school survivors and that he take guidance from the report and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, especially ‘Call to Action 57 on Professional Development and Training for Public Servants’ which states:

“We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal

governments to provide education to public servants on the

history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy

of residential schools.’

For more information:

Joshua Fraser

IPC Vice-President, Communications

joshuafraserlpc@gmail.com
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