British Columbia Conservative Party candidate criticized for racist remarks against Indigenous people

A British Columbia Conservative Party candidate has come under fire for making derogatory comments about Indigenous people during an election night interview, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for her expulsion from the party.

Marina Sapozhnikova’s remarks, originally reported by the Vancouver Sun, included calling Indigenous people “savages” and denouncing Indigenous history courses taught at British Columbia universities.

Her comments were made on Oct. 19 during an interview with Vancouver Island University student Alena Latsinnik, who later shared the recording with CBC News. In the recording, Sapozhnikov is heard saying that indigenous peoples “were savages” who “were at war with each other all the time.”

She also condemns the NDP government’s adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, arguing it has turned non-Indigenous British Columbians into “second-class citizens.”

The candidate’s remarks drew outrage from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), whose president, Grand Chief Stuart Phillip, called them “disgusting” and “disgusting.”

“I thought we had gone way beyond the public use of the word ‘savages,'” he told CBC News.

“She seems to be very free and open in her beliefs and could eventually become a minister.”

Sapozhnikova, who fell behind her NDP opponent in Juan de Fuca-Malahat wins by 106 votes after Saturday’s recount, did not respond to requests for comment.

Scientists and party members condemn the statements

In an interview with CBC News, University of British Columbia political science lecturer Stuart Perst said Sapozhnikov’s allegations are “completely false,” adding that they are “unnecessarily sowing division at a time when British Columbia is taking careful steps toward inclusivity.”

The comments also sparked a backlash among members of her party.

Kamloops Center MLA-elect Peter Milobar, who says he married into an Indigenous family, expressed his disapproval on social media, calling the comments “reprehensible” and emphasizing that “real and meaningful reconciliation can only happen through honest conversations, shared learning and mutual cooperation.” respect.”

British Columbia Conservative Party leader John Rustad also condemned Sapozhnikov’s statements, calling them “deeply harmful” and inconsistent with the party’s values.

“We take this matter seriously,” his statement said. “As leader, I am committed to ensuring that our party leads with respect and understanding for all British Columbians.”

Grand Chief Philip said UBCIC called on Conservative leader Rustad to expel Sapozhnikov from the party.

According to Prest, Sapozhnikova cannot be suspended while the process of recounting the votes in her skating continues.

“If she won this race, would she be okay with it?” – asked Perst. “Or, if she had won and remained as an MLA, then (Rustad) would have had the choice of whether to welcome her into the BC Conservative caucus or expel her.”

He added that voters participating in the election of Juan de Fuca-Malahat could also initiate a petition to recall her from office if she is elected.