OTTAWA — Piapot First Nation is demanding an apology from a Conservative MP after he said First Nations are burning down water treatment plants because they’re frustrated with the Liberals.
Saskatchewan MP Kevin Waugh made the comments during debate on a First Nations water bill last week, leading to swift pushback from First Nations and the minister of Indigenous services.
A water plant in Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation was damaged by a fire in 2019, and another in Piapot First Nation burned down in 2018.
But no specific cause was reported for either fire.
Waugh walked back his comments a few days later, with his office conceding he is not familiar with any specific circumstances.
But Chief Mark Fox and his council say they reject Waugh’s statements as "grossly disrespectful," and are calling for a formal apology and retraction of the "baseless claims."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2024.
The Canadian Press
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