Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
National

Residential schools: Chrétien says he was unaware

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Oct, 2021 09:53 AM
  • Residential schools: Chrétien says he was unaware

MONTREAL - Former prime minister Jean Chrétien says that when he was in government he was unaware of the abuse that took place in residential schools across the country.

Speaking Sunday on the popular Quebec TV talk show, "Tout le monde en parle,'' Chrétien said the issue was never brought to his attention during his time as Indian affairs minister from 1968 to 1974.

He said he knew residential schools existed and how difficult the experience was, drawing a comparison with his own time in boarding school when he was fed baked beans and oatmeal.

The discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at residential school sites across Canada over the summer reawakened conversations around the discriminatory system designed to assimilate Indigenous children.

Innu author Michel Jean, another guest on the show, criticized Chrétien's comparison of residential schools to his boarding school experience, saying the former prime minister doesn't understand the abuse Indigenous children experienced.

The 87-year-old Chrétien was invited on the show to talk about his new book.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Break and enter suspect in custody after alleged assault

Break and enter suspect in custody after alleged assault
 The man was arrested, and is currently in custody, with a court date on October 13, 2021. He is considered to be a prolific property crime offender.  Police have recommended a number of charges to Crown for consideration, including assault causing bodily harm and break and enter. 

Break and enter suspect in custody after alleged assault

Delta Police release video to help ID arson suspect

Delta Police release video to help ID arson suspect
Police believe this was a targeted incident and not a random act. Aside from the danger the fire posed, police do not believe there was any further risk to the general public in relation to this incident. 

Delta Police release video to help ID arson suspect

What do Tories think about conscience rights?

What do Tories think about conscience rights?
Re-elected Alberta MP Garnett Genuis recently penned a piece for a conservative news site discussing the Tories’ election promise to "protect the conscience rights of health-care professionals."    

What do Tories think about conscience rights?

Singh signals tougher line on Trudeau co-operation

Singh signals tougher line on Trudeau co-operation
The NDP leader signalled a tougher stance on co-operation with the Liberals in Parliament, stating that he will "not take pretty or nice words for granted" from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Singh signals tougher line on Trudeau co-operation

Vaccine 'could save your life': RCMP commissioner

Vaccine 'could save your life': RCMP commissioner
The National Police Federation, which represents front-line RCMP officers, said Thursday it was reviewing details of the new federal policy and would soon issue a statement to members.

Vaccine 'could save your life': RCMP commissioner

Required shots in school staff last resort: Horgan

Required shots in school staff last resort: Horgan
Parent groups and the BC Teachers' Federation have called for all school districts to introduce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the absence of a provincewide order, while the New Westminster board of education has asked for a legal opinion on making the shots mandatory.

Required shots in school staff last resort: Horgan