CTV.ca | Tories sorry for comments to native protester

Darlene Lannigan, assistant to Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon and Aboriginal protester Norman Matchewan, exchange words outside the campaign office in Maniwaki, Que., Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008.

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Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon responds during question period in the House of Commons on Monday, June 18, 2007. (Tom Hanson / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Tories sorry for comments to native protester

Updated Thu. Sep. 18 2008 8:30 PM ET

CTV.ca News

The Conservatives were forced to issue their second apology in two days on Thursday after video surfaced of an aide to Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon making offensive remarks to a native protester.

The news came as a distraction from the other big story of the day -- fallout over Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz's controversial remarks about the Listeria outbreak.

Cannon was officially opening his campaign office in Maniwaki, Que. on Thursday when protesters from the Barriere Lake community arrived to make their demands known to Cannon.

Cannon listened to some of the group's concerns before he left in a vehicle.

However, one of his aides, Darlene Lannigan, continued to speak with Norman Matchewan, the 25-year-old man leading the protesters.

In a video clip from the Aboriginal People's Television Network, Matchewan asks if he would be arrested if he came into Cannon's office.

"If you behave, and you're sober, and there's no problems, and if you don't do a sit-down and whatever, I don't care. One of them showed up the other day and was drinking," Lannigan said in the clip.

"Are you calling me an alcoholic?" asks Matchewan

"I'm not calling you an alcoholic, it's just to say you're in a federal office. If you're coming in to negotiate, I expect, there's decorum that has to be respected."

Liberal Party deputy leader Michael Ignatieff appeared on CTV's Mike Duffy Live on Thursday evening and said the comments made by the Conservative aide were troubling because of what they assumed about Matchewan.

"The issue here is what assumptions you start with. If you start with the assumption that when an aboriginal man come towards you in good faith and you think he's been drinking, you have a problem," Ignatieff said. "It's an insult to Aboriginals right across the country.

A statement from Cannon's director of communications, Catherine Loubier, sent to CTV.ca on Thursday afternoon said that the comments did not reflect the views of the Government of Canada.

"We would like to take this opportunity to apologize for an offence given," Loubier said in the statement.

"We also understand these comments were made in a difficult context. That is regrettable. The good news is the parties have agreed to meet later this week in a spirit of collaboration."

Matchewan spoke with CTV Newsnet on Thursday afternoon from Barriere Lake. The part-time police officer and schoolteacher said the apology issued by Cannon's office was "not good enough."

"I was offended...my community is offended (and) they are still upset," said Matchewan. "This goes to show how much they disrespect our communities.

"We were there in a peaceful, respectful manner to meet with Mr. Cannon (and) I do not know why she would say such things. That's hurtful, hurtful words for a community."

Matchewan released a statement to The Canadian Press on Thursday that condemned Lannigan's remarks, calling them "patronizing and racist" and "another example of the Conservative government's disrespect for our community."

With files from The Canadian Press

Please Add Comments( )

where is the insult?

I read what was said and I see nothing wrong with it. It was an honest conversation. Previous encounters with this group set the tone. The conservatives said they had no problem meeting with the group. Just don't behave like they did the last time.

Considering they want respect, they should show respect also. You just can't do those things in a professional world. Could anyone imagine the fallout if a white person showed up drunk to a meeting?

Kris D

The Conservative machine is destroying itself.

This is what happens when you only let your ministers/staff speak at election time.

They have no idea how to speak to the average Canadian, and when they do speak (or are allowed to), they insult millions of us.

This is hilarious.

Boy! The "Media" must sure be desperate for news!

Craig in Calgary

How is this bad?

There IS a decorum that must be respected. If a protester wants to be taken seriously, he should act respectful.

Lannigan was saying that she doesn't want a repeat of the previous complainant who was drunk and not showing respect.

Kenny

So where's the story? Some protesters had been drinking during a prior visit to the office.

I agree - there is a certain decorum to be respected if you want to be taken seriously, regardless of your ethnicity, heritage, sexual preference, etc.

Mike

what is the big deal here? The media is embarking on a smear campaign against the Tories! It makes sense to ask if they were sober if one of them showed up drinking the other day! - end of story!

Marcel

The Conservatives are out control. Yesterday, it was disgusting jokes by Gerry Ritz on dying people and today it an aide to Lawrence Cannon on aboriginals. The Conservatives are still showing their Reform colors.

james

What's the issue?

Sounds like media left wing bias to me.

Let's stick with the issues.

Craig in Burnaby BC

Where is the insult? The media seems to be attacking anything the Conservatives say while giving Dion a free ride.

DCR-Toronto

Liberal spinning media never stops.There isn't even a story here.
Very sad.

Boyo

If the moccasin fits, wear it.

beachdude

Now the media is running with another non-story. They will stoke this fire for awhile for ratings but why didn't the media ask Mr.Dion about one of his candidate's remarks regarding women? It appears that the media will jump all over the right while leaving the left to do whatever they want to without any questioning. All the recent spending announcments by Mr.Dion and Mr. Layton and no media member asking or pressing on how to pay for it.

WHAT? How low is the media going to sink to sabotage the Conservatives campaign? Explain ONE word of that statement that is offensive, let alone requires an apology. How about the "natives" issue apologies for their illegal land occupations.

... this is not an issue. Looks like a respectful conversation. Let's hear some positive news stories ...that canidates from all parties are making this place a better country.

spencer

Hard for me to find an insult there, but if you are in the business of trying to create a problem, then it does not really matter who is in office. It's just a game to get publicity especially during an election.

Kevin in Toronto

Uhhh...sorry for what?

Mary Ewen

What I find interesting,is how the media failed to make headline news of the Lib. M.P. in Quebec who made disparing comments about Aboriginals.
In fairness,if you're going to attack one Party,then at least report the others gaffes.
Besides,being asked to show up sober for meetings,despite bringing race into the issue,is a fairly honest request.

Den

Inference about being a drunk to a native man... If you don't find the offense in this inference, then you're way too partisan. If a Liberal had said these comments, the Conservative blog-o-sphere would be on fire right now. You're hypocrites.

Paul in BC

Incredible, these accusations and disrespect towards Canadians just keep on coming from the Conservative campaign team. Seems Harper is loosing control of the situation after keeping conservative members quiet for the past couple of years.

Bob

Conservative arrogance strikes again. This seems to be the hallmark of Stephen Harper and his conservatives.
I hope they go down to defeat.

Ian - Scarborough, ON

Now come on, grow up. Nothing in the comments mentioned is the least bit insulting. The aide was simply asking them to behave in a respectful manner, having had the previous experience of someone drinking in the office. This is another example of the media going over the top to attack the Conservatives. How much attention would this story get if it was a Liberal MP the protesters were visiting?

puckhead

The insult is that the staffer is assuming that this chap is going to show up drunk just because "another one of THEM" did before. Tarring all with the same brush is not only ignorant, but incredibly offensive.

Roadrobber

Wow. That's really digging deep to find something controversial. I read the entire story and I had to read it again to find out what was so controversial. No doubt an apology will be required, after all, it has now become a media story.

Next up, newly discovered statements and comments on the Brenda Martin story.

No apology necessary

I don't hear anything insulting in Darlene Lannigan's comments; in fact I see them as perfectly legitimate. Furthermore, there was no insinuation that Norman Matchewan was an alcoholic. It sounds as though he was trying to goad Lannigan into saying something to be used for his personal gain. This is a non-issue as far as I and likely most Canadians are concerned.

Don

So this woman had a run-in with someone who had been drinking, who, by chance, was also a native. Supposing that all other natives are always drinking is woefully ignorant. It is hard to negotiate eye to eye when one party constantly looks down their nose at you.

Warren

I'm having a hard time seeing why an appology was needed here. Is this just the media trying to undermine the Tories campaign? We all know that it is the media that decides the election. What a great misuse of power, and big waste of time....

ScottS

You've got to be kidding me? There is no insult here! Who is making this into a news story? If they came drinking to my office I'd have them arrested. These people behind this smear campaign want to run the country? How can people who act like sissy's become leaders. They can't!

ScottS

The aide did not accuse the protester of being an alcoholic as per report. The aide stated a point of fact.
If the protester is insulted I can't figure out why.

DSmith

I would like to know why the media did not report the Liberal MP's comments about how he wished the Military would have finished the job in Oka and how he restated the comment just a week or so back. Why is the media so one sided in this country????

Eric

Honestly?

Where's the offense in that?

So I'm not allowed to tell someone not to show up at my office drunk?

I don't see anything there that would imply he was specifically stating the protester was an alcoholic, and flat-out denied saying as such.

The aide stated someone HAD shown up at his office drunk just the other day, which would leave a fresh example in his mind of how NOT to get his attention.

This protester is just playing the victim right now. Didn't get what he wanted so he's gonna try to destroy this guy's career.

"Are you calling me an alcoholic?" where did THAT come from?

Seriously.

Oh come on!

This is getting ridiculous. Why is this a story???

Hope

Just goes to show how much Racism still exhists here in Canada after reading some of your comments. Just because on man drinks is it fair to say we all do??
That's like saying because you raped and molested our children in the Residential Schools then all of you rape and molest!!!

Marc Coquitlam B.C.

So when at the passport office, and the big sign that states if you are rude, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or abusive towards staff you will not be served, I can take that as the Federal government calling me an alcoholic, drug addict and beligerent all at once?

response to Den

To Den:

Why don't you detach yourself from your emotions and paranoia and actually re-read the comment made! There was no inference made about Matchewan being drunk personally and there is certainly nothing to suggest the comment had anything to do with the fact he is native. We know you can read but clearly you can't interpret very well!

TH from Ottawa

...those quick to blame the Conservatives should take note. Absolutely no such comment was made by an elected official but rather by a paid employee who does NOT act as a representative of the people of Canada.

The same people may have stood up for the 'beer and popcorn' comments however...

bunny

If I was going to interview them, I would ask that someone show up sober. We know they have turned up drunk before. Where or how does this help?

Bear in Winnipeg

I guess the best response to the Minister's aide would have been - "as long as you quit stealing and lying to us!"

Jim Murphy

It is an insult to say that to somone who has never shown that past behaviour.

If the individual who the comment was made to had previously visited the office in such a state the comment may be warranted. However, the Minister's Assistant projected the behaviours of others to this individual and therefore it is an insult.

Hopefully people will see what Stephen Harper and his associates are up to.

Dave

Yawn, you might have had something if he pooped on his shoulder...

This is just further proof that Harper cannot lead. The only way he can keep his people from saying these shameful statements is by muzzling them.

That's not leadership.

ABC

Voting anything but Blue!

WOW - I cannot believe some of the comments I'm reading. Do you people honestly not see the problem with this situation? Nowhere have I read that Norman Matchewan was in any way intoxicated when he approached the Minister's office. The fact that he was told to be sober in any further discourse is a blatant use of a terrible stereotype that has been ascribed to Native peoples for decades. Shame on the minister's office and on anyone dim enough to think this kind of exchange is okay at a kindergarten level, let alone a federal government level.

The sooner this bunch of ignorant yahoos is gone from government the better!

Jay

Are you people really that surprised by the way the media is reporting on the Conservatives?

Look at the way that members of the media have been treated by the Prime Minister and members of his staff. Media access to the Prime Minister and other parliamentarians has been cut off by this government. Media people have been treated so inconsequentially that it should come as no shock to anyone that they are taking shots at Conservatives. Harper could have used the media to get his message out to Canadians, instead he shut them out completely.

What goes around comes around.

Roadie

Sounds legimate to me,what did he do wrong?

Jim FL

The media needs to be controlled. Finding stories and "controversies" out of nothing. This is getting ridiculous.

Stu

I actually thought this sounded pretty bad when I first read the quote but after reading it again it appears that one of the protesters with Matchewan was drinking when they showed up at Cannon's office. Just because Matchewan is native it shouldn't mean that you can't say to him that someone in his group of protesters was drinking when they showed up previously.

Sort of depends if the word 'you' meand Matchewan himself, or if it meant the group of protesters as a whole. If it meant the protesters as a whole it's a completely valid statement. If it meant just Matchewan it's possibly racist but more likely a generalization across the protest group. It wouldn't have been a fair statement but sounds like it's because of the previous actions of the people he was with, not because of his race. If a white protester is drinking when they show up to a person's office, they don't get treated well either. I expect the group would be generalized the same way as this group of protesters was.

Sam Crawford

For me the answer to "where is the story" is the question: would he have said the same thing to a group of women; Muslims; Dentists; Farmers?

What makes it okay to tell a group of natives that they have to be sober? Has there been a problem with groups being drunk when they come to see the minister?

barryh

if most of you cannot understand what an insult is,you need basic schooling in human behaviour..this was unacceptable coming from the mouth of an conservative aide....but,the right wingers in this forum are truly blind to their bigoted comments..how sad

Am I Missing Something?

Huh?
What is offensive about that? Political correctness has clearly flown off the rails of sanity. I expect the media to report events that are newsworthy, not assinine...

tony

And the hits just keep on comin'. These Alliance/Reform/Conservatives have a bad case of verbal diarrhea.

Drew

How come every time I post a comment about the media having a liberal bias...it gets edited. This one probalby will as well.

David in Ontario

No wonder there is very little progress with dealing with the unrest in Caledonia and Deseronto in Ontario when ones hears comments like these.

The First Nations are a federal responsibility under the BNA act. With recent attitudes and comments like this by the Conservatives, things will not improve.

Better vote Cons. Diane Finley out of her riding, which I think covers Caledonia. Things will get uglier there. She has done little to resolve that issue for her constituents.

I think Cons. Daryl Kramp is the Deseronto area. What has he done to rectify the unrest there? Things will get heated up there with public views like this coming from Conservatives.

Too many self-inflicted wounds here that do not bode well for the Conservatives and do not reflect well on Canadians as a whole.

Surprising to see so many comments in support of views in this day and age suggesting we have swung too far to the right here in Canada. Shades of the US situation when Kanye West saying "George Bush doesn't care about Black people" to 100 Million people in the US after Katrina hit New Orleans.

Steve Harper and the Cons may get hit hard for this one for those questionable Conservative views/attitudes on race.

Chris

My Lord, are people that ... People seem to have no respect for other people or their property. This is the "no spank generation" starting to vote. That experiment didn't work either. But that's ok, cause the goverment will support them with your taxes for the rest of their lives. Wonder who taught them that.

Lav

Absolutely nothing wrong with what was said. Telling someone to show up sober and behave AFTER A PREVIOUS incident makes sense. I would have said something similar. Left wing media is a joke. Why don't we talk about Taliban Jack Layton for a bit....

Wayne Whig

what a ridiculous bunch of cr*p - that's the only way to characterize this `tory-gotcha' campaign on the part of the media..

where were the headlines when one of the Liberals said that the army should have machine-gunned Oka natives?

Garbage garbage garbage

Glenn C.

PLEASE-GET SERIOUS!~!!

There is no insult here, If you are going to pick fault with the Conservative party, then find something that is worth repeating otherwise "pipe it".
We can't constantly be walking on egg shells for every word!

justin in ontario

If there was nothing wrong with what the person said as all the conservative bloggers seem to think why did they issue an apology? The fact is no matter what happened in a previous meeting, it was strictly a discriminatory comment meant to belittle the individual. For example; if my brother was an alcoholic does that make me an alcoholic? Reform Party with a different name!!!!

Scott Stelmaschuk

I think the problem rests in the fact that the comment was "one of them showed up the other day and was drinking,"...

Lannigan didn't say 'a man/woman showed up yesterday, drinking." or "we had a person show up yesterday drinking." By saying, "one of them", he is specifically referring to Aboriginal people.

Also, this may be personal bias on my part, but I doubt Lannigan would have made the same comments if he were talking to a Caucasian group.

It would be like them addressing a gay rights group and specifically singling out men who came in dresses and make-up. It's a stereotypical image of a community that the Conservatives have about these minority groups and it's clearly coming through now that they're able to speak without PMO permission.

Paul Vancouver Island

To those who say get on with it, take another step back. This is an issue and relevant to an election.

It's about attitude toward First Nations people and there appears to be racism expressed today by conservatives.

Let's bring back the Paul Martin Accord reached in Kelowna that Harper cancelled when he came to power and give back to First Nations the dignity and respect they deserve.

John

The other 2 incidents were serious:
1) the con shots at the father of a Canadian soldier who died in battle.
2) the light-hearted joking about Listeria deaths by the con Minister.

This newer "incident" doesn't seem comparable (unless maybe something has been left out of the story).

The cons will be PLEASED to see this story, as it may have the effect of WATERING DOWN the COLLECTIVE seriousness of con gaffes. They got a similar benefit when they were being attacked by what seemed like dozens of parliamentary committees.

The opposition parties will be wise to stay on focus with a FEW REALLY GOOD items, as only hard-core political junkies are going to see through a wash of complexity.

Jay Jay from NWO

sorry, i don't think the aid said anything offensive.
i'm native and i actually understand what was said.
some people out there don't have any respect for themselves and for others and like to create problems whenever and whereever possible.

Kim

So one white guy in a suit shows up at Lawrence Cannon's office after a five-martini lunch and isn't "respectful" and the next time a white guy in a suit says he'd like to come in to talk to the minister, the aide says "but don't be drunk and be respectful." Uh-huh. Happens ALL the time.

Justin

I don't see what all the fuss is about. One of the biggest problems in this country is people are afraid to call it like it is. Sometimes it's what's needed.

Don

So let me get this right.

He's native so he must be a drunk. And Conservatives on this thread are OK with that.

The man is a police officer and school teacher, but because a Conservative saw him only as native through profiling eyes, he must have a drinking problem.

This is what we have been missing the last 1 1/2 years.

The real Cons and their warped views.

It manager in Toronto

So if I show up at a liberal campaign office drunk and yelling at the staff are they going to let me in and do what ever I want? Come on -where is the equality? Desperate liberals. It is getting really sad on how they will grab any straw because their policies just don't add up.I guess it would have been much better had they called the cops and the whole episode would have been on tape. Then a cop would have stepped out of line and we can have another multi million dollar inquiry over the whole issue. Get over it for crying out loud.

I don't get it

slow news day, huh?

Ryan P.

OK day two of the Conservative Quotes game continues....can we start reporting of some of the Liberal gaffes or maybe a little more emphasis on the NDP and their videographer/candidates....enough is enough, sticks and stones people.....

Rick

and lets not forget the ...dirty fingernail diseased gay slur....this party just can't seem to relate to humanity...nice they're in touch with the real people....what a bunch of redneck losers

Melissa- Ontario

The issue here is the prejudice - she's assuming that since he's representing a native group he's an alcoholic - doesn't matter if a native group showed up drunk at a different time - if he wasn't there she's being rude and offensive.
Nonetheless her comments won't affect who I vote for... not likely conservatives anyways

Todd

That deserves an apology? Nuts! Looks like someone trying to make news happen but that's what's to be expected at election time....it's ugly but at least it's a democracy. This won't effect my vote in any way and I doubt it will negatively hurt the Conservatives. Can we have some real news now?

paul

Well, that pretty much cements my vote - for the PC's. I can't agree more with the majority of the comments below, nothing in the aids comment / conversation was out of line, in fact she seems pretty much on the ball. Where's the dirt from the main stream media on the Libs ?

Mike Johnson

As the clear frontrunners, the Cons should expect a bit more scrutiny than the avg. party. Especially as they are on the verge of a majority, it's time to put them a bit more under the microscope.

And to those who think the comment was not insenstive, I am glad you are not leading this country or teaching its children. That was about as low a comment as one could make to an aboriginal who is working for the betterment of his community. Unfortunatly blue coloured glasses are getting in the way of impartial judgement.

James

I expect this kind of reporting from the Toronto Star, but it's very dissappointing to see it with CTV.
I fail to see the issue with what was said.
It appears like CTV wishes to create an issue to negatively effect the Conservative campaign. You should be ashamed of themselves.

Sharon

Mr. Harper's fuzzy blue sweater notwithstanding,the true nature of this far right-wing bunch is busting out all over! Better before the election than after.

Doug BC

I'm also finding it difficult to find a real issue here.Is the "noise" being created by the media,or by other politicians?
And,while I'm not sure how intention,or even that it's blatant,I agree that the media,both in Canada and the USA appear to have a slant to the left.Perhaps I've seen it more in American coverage this time.The media seem very determined to elect Sen.Obama.
It gets harder and harder to know what,or who to believe any more.Of course politicians don't do much to clear the air either.And making mountains out of mole-hills seems to be a deliberate way to distract voters from honestly debating real issues.
Hmmm.Now that I think of it,quite a lot like "question period" in parliament.
But here.Sorry.I see no story.If protestors expect to be treated with respect,I think they have to protest with respect.

Bart F.

The only mistake here was to legitimize a fabricated insult by apologizing.

leona

I believe that Stephen Harper and his government have been showing their true opinions through everyday happenings on the campaign trail. This behaviour far overshawdows the recent conservative adds that show Stephen Harper as a caring and compassionate man. The insensitive racist comment recently made (for those of you that totally missed the point, the person should never have just assumed that because he was an Aboriginal male he was a drunk), are a reflection of how the conservative government views minorities.

Voting anything but Red, Orange or Green!

There is no issue here.

Stop trying to make one that doesn't exist.

Let's get back onto policy discussions and stop these nut bars from trying to focus attention away from their insane policy announcements.

len luke

The Conservatives should apologies for being too quick to offer apologies.
After reading and re-reading i don't see why they would apologise in the first place.
A question was asked and answered. Nothing more...

What's the problem?

Wow, this nation is killing itself with the tyranny of politeness...pathetic...

Dina

Typical, typical, and the Tories want to run our country. With an attitude like that, she might as well stay assistant. Her view on Natives may be mirrored by the Natives if every time they see a white man in a suit they know they are going to get screwed in the end. Because we all know the Natives will be on the losing end in THEIR own country.

Nicky

For those questioning this story's news value... It's NEWS because the Conservatives apologized.

Steve G

....and the Conservative/Reform/Alliance Party support meltdown continues...

Robin

Another day on the federal campaign trail and yet another CONPOLOGY. And Canadians want to give these morons a majority? Four years of the Harperbot defending the high school antics of his Ministers? You pay peanuts you get monkeys. You vote CON, you get this.

my 2 cents

As stated, one of the protesters had been drinking previously. She was laying down the rules of conduct for any meeting between one of the highest officials in the country and a band of protesters who wouldn't get the time of day if it weren't for their skin colour.

As much as it may have been taken as a slur in suggesting that all natives drink, it was clearly meant in the context of ensuring that the minister was not embarrassed and endangered by unruly conduct on the part of this group. The government should not apologize, they should simply rephrase the statement to make it clear that no one gets to meet government officials unless they act with decorum.

It is unfortunate that small special interest groups have such control in our country.

Hope

Guess your all stupid because your all have things to say but really no one can answer my last question.
You all need to get reading aids...maybe a translator...the guy she made this comment to was not drunk...but someone in the group was...that comment was way out of line...Get it people..don't be so dumb!!!!

Hanley

Those comments, as usual for the Conservatives, were out of line. If you folks can't read the article and know that the accusations were pure racist, then you are as stupid as the government itself.

Sbigras from Ottawa

If I want to be respected and taken seriously, then it is my responsability to present myself in a way that commands the respect I feel I deserve.

While this particular protest was seemingly peaceful and orderly, the overall context and tone was tainted by a protest held previously in which an individual or individuals were seen drinking.

Mr. Matchewan has a right to be offended, but he should be offended by the inappropriate attitude and actions of those at the initial protest who showed such disdain and disrespect for their cause as to be drinking.

Mrs Lannigan was reacting as any normal person would when presented with a situation that reminded her of a previous less than positive situation.

Islander Tim

Marcel, in respect to your comments that the Conservatives are "showing their Reform colours", some simple research would lead you to the facts. Ritz was a Reform/CA MP, yes, but Cannon was a lifelong Liberal supporter until he switched to support Harper two years after the merger of the CA and PC parties. Do your homework!

The media sure are having a field day with their smear campaign against the Tories... this is just getting stupid. Maybe we could focus on the issues and not on iffy, out-of-context, slow-news fluff.

Tom D.

Anyone who does not see an insult here is either ignorant, insensitive, or biased towards a certain party (most probable), and possibly all three. This has nothing to do with liberal bias,left wing media, or making a story from a non-issue.

This was a generalization made by a representative of the government. It may come as a surprise to those who choose to see otherwise but not all First Nations members are irresponsible drinkers any more than all whites are tea-totalling examples of decorum.

To ask a group to behave "sober" is very insulting and in this case racist, regardless of whether there were prior incidents from a similar group in the past. For example, should a politician in B.C. have the right to say in seriousness to a Students Union group "I'll meet with your group as long as you are not high". It goes beyond the ridiculous to the sublime.

The aide could have simply said "if there is a civil discussion with a respectful tone, we would be happy to arrange it", and that would have been completely acceptable. Instead, an insulting stereotype was thrown in the mix for good measure.

If it really was no big deal, then I can guarantee this party would not have apologized. We are in the midst of an election, and apologies are BAD news. So, obviously someone withing the group realized that this was a major faux pas.

It seems being "Politically Correct" is politically incorrect, literally.

jmrSudbury

These are great pre-stories because they lead to a real election issue. Seeing as how there is no right to not be offended, these silly stories should bring up the Section 13 debate again. Remember that Liberal private member's bill? At least then we would have a real story. That would make a great election issue.

John M Reynolds

Doug

There have been far worse things said by people on both sides and no apology was given or needed. This story is a non starter. This is people playing polotics of the worst kind it says nothing about the people involved and it shouldn't. I'm far more worried about my tax dollars. On with the election!

Dave F

Oh for crying out loud. How much effort do you media people expend looking for such meaningless things to report on?!

PTD

All that succession of gaffes cement my vote. I will vote Liberal. The media belongs to Conservative owners so, if they report it's because they can't avoid it!

Gerald from Belleville

We, as usual, probably don't have all the facts. But, based on what is presented here, I don't think there should have been an apology.

Consider this sequence, as described in the article(paraphrasing):
1)Matchewan asks if he'll be arrested if he goes to the office (nobody asks that unless there's some intent to challenge or disrupt, or else it wouldn't need to be asked...ESPECIALLY by a part-time cop who would know the law).
2)Lannigan says it's okay, as long as "you" behave and aren't drunk.
3)Lannigan also specifies that one of "them" showed up and was drinking last time
4)Matchewan asks if Lannigan called him an alcoholic
5)Lannigan specifies no, but decorum is expected during negociations

"You" and "them" appear to refer more to the collective protesters rather than strictly Matchewan.

We can deduce, from the article at least, that there had been a previous incident where protesters had shown a lack of proper "decorum" and at least one person had been drinking. It is not unreasonable then for Lannigan to ask "them" to behave and refrain from drinking (being drunk).

This seems like a case of protesters trying to provoke and get a good sound bite to further their protest. Turn it around: Group A show up at your house and make trouble on Tuesday. A member of Group A shows up at your house on Thursday, you tell him to behave based on Tuesday's incidents. It's totally reasonable. In fact, you'd be an idiot NOT to tell him and his group to behave...

sickened

No real surprise here, instead of saying "...as long as we are all seriously negotiating" or something not as inflammatory as the "drunken indian" mentality, it would have been a non issue. But when an apology has to be given because the views of the Minister do not reflect that of the GOVERNMENT OF CANADA. I have said it before here and I'll say it again, these are NOT your Daddy's Progressive Conservatives, these are namely Reform hacks. Harper can barely trust them to speak in public without insulting the population of Canada. The narrow mindedness ranges from Stockwell Day mocking climate change saying basically that his constituents (in the Mountains) were looking forward to having water front property, to insulting natives, to mocking those dying from Listeria. Now Canada, see what you are electing to a majority. Me, I'm voting ABC.

Apology should read
"I'm sorry you are so insecure and easily affended that any mention of alcohol makes you believe that it is a racist remark"

Peak Oil

if a liberal or a ndp person would have said that would the tories want an apology? Hell no....
Why doesn't the media concentrate on serious stories like Dion's 70 billion pledge to fix infrastructure, or Layton's daycare announcement or Harper's homeowner tax cuts....
If a liberal belittles a tory big deal...if a tory belittles a liberal big deal....aren't we all grown up?

Jon Paulo. Terrace, B.C.

I baring paid attention to the story but what made me pay attention were the comments made the people. I know many native people and I know many white people some drink some do not. Just because you see some native people drunk do not classify all native people as drunks. You should all be ashamed.

Rick in NB

OOOH !!! That Stereotyping Puffin, he pooped again.

John M Reynolds

Laurie in Gatineau

This remark is in the context that the Barriere Lake protestors have been protesting quite vigourously all summer and there have been security alerts issued in the NCR due to their activities. It is unfortunate that the individual was offended but I can certainly understand the assistant's remarks in context. Lawrence Cannon is a good MP, minister, and a good representative for Western Quebec, which includes the First Nations with whom he met at his campaign opening. I think there is too much spin happening in this election, and the media is slinging more dirt than the parties.

Gerald from Belleville

As an addendum.

Matchewan stated afterwards: "We were there in a peaceful, respectful manner to meet with Mr. Cannon (and) I do not know why she would be such things. That's hurtful, hurtful words for a community."

One of the protesters had shown up "the other day" drinking. That, to me, does not represent a "respectful manner".

A protester showing up at a public office while drinking is not only disrespectful, but a violation of public drinking regulations. Assuming that the incident did occur, the protesters should be apologizing, not the aide. Can't blame the aide for expecting further problems from the protesters.

F Harris

Wow the Liberal media is really trying to fabricate stories to make the conservatives look bad. So much for being impartial. The Ritz one is legitimate but this one and the Clement story that the Liberal Toronto Star tried to manufacture are just pure BS.

I wonder how much the LPC pays the media?

naomi

what a sad country we live in when individuals in the Canadian government are so ignorant that they don't recognize their prejudice against a race of people,what is even sadder is... there seems to be a fair number of people who are also clueless about their own racism. way to go conservatives!!

RRor

I'm pretty sure I won't be voting Cons. but it won't be because of non-issues like this. The media goes after the easiest story then goes for a beer and pats themselves on the back for starting a tempest in a teapot. Creating news instead of reporting it.

Selena

The insult here is that the reply given by thee assistant is one based on nothing but inappropriate assumption(s) and labelling towards the Native community. The apology is just a start and I really don't understand why some people cannot or will not see the damage and hurtfulness of these comments!

Ron Blue

Put yourself in the person who was spoken to (aborginal). It was presumed because he is a native that he might be drunk. From his comment back, it sounded like he was quite coherent.

Its not surprsing that generally more 'whites'are not offended because they are not at the brunt of the comment. Unfortunately, many countries who have homogenous populations or religons discrimminate against minorities.

In canada, we're supposed to preach more tolerance and acceptance to minoities but ashamdly, there is veiled discrimmination.

Mykey, The Lakehead

The Conservatives should withdraw this apology. Mr. Matchewan attended the office in a disrespectful manner. He showed up with a mob and a TV camera and it is evident from the impudent smirk on his face that he deliberately tried to provoke something.

Nobody called him an alcoholic except himself and the way he exaggerates the notion that he was "offended" indicates that the entire episode was completely phony.

People like this need to grow up and stop pretending to be hurt over every little thing. That's the mentality of a two year old.

Scott Ash

Why is the media seeking to destroy the Conservatives with these lame stories?

Do the NDP and Liberal parties own the networks now? Are they leaking this stuff in small doses? I smell a rat!

This is not a story! that is not even an insult! If you find that comment racist...you need to go look up racism in the dictionary.

Gail (Hamilton)

Nothing hilarious about this. Respect is a two way street. It's somewhat distracting from the Conservative campaign messages, but that's all. I'm not changing my vote over this flack.

Tricia in Ontario

HERE'S A QUESTION FOR THE DAY!

'Should the clearly left-biased media continue unbalanced reporting?'

Seems to me that there should be some fairness here. I repeat, as other posters have, that's it's very curious how none of the Liberal or NDP gaffes become the top story on this website, but the Conservatives are targeted time and again. I've always resented 'political reporting'. If you're going to consider yourselves professionals, then behave that way. I'm not arguing that some of these things are newsworthy. But, let's report all gaffes, no matter which Party is committing them.

matt

You gotta be kidding me.

He's not even an official minister!

He's just some nobody!

The bias in the media is unbelievable. Shut this place down.

Pintosack

I found nothing offensive said to Matchewan. There's nothing better to report on than this? If you want to stoop low like this, why not find boring, useless articles like this about the Liberals or NDP.

dave

If we want perfect people running our government it is not going to happen. They are human, and all parties have had their idiot statements, but the media picks the events they think will sway the election. Mae says we are stupid, Iggy slams Israelis as war criminals, NDP supports drug use, but we do not slam them, why not equal criticism?

Chris

My goodness I would certainly never apologize for this. If someone had an issue with it then they should really grow the heck up. I expect people who are coming over to my house to arrive sober and not relive themselves. I think that there is nothing dealing with this being native. It is expected of anyone. I am sure I would be told the same thing if I showed up drunk to a government office.

I can't believe a non-baised media would actually consider this a story. Government representatives (Staffers or elected) are people just like you & I nor should they be expected to take people's abuse.

Jake in Ontario

The Conservatives seem to speak what normal everyday Canadians tend to feel and believe. Nothing to apologize for here.

Socialist extremists do tend to get easily offended by common sense remarks that are true and based on experience rather than liberal studies and research!

I hope they are even more offended by a Conservative majority.

MB/Ontario

I'm just sick & tired of the Liberals & NDP's Criticism. The only think they are good is criticise cause a big problem out of nothing. Dion,s & NDP's should be the ones who should get fier because they waist a lot of Canadian tax dollars in issues that Canadians don't care about. I don't even see any reason for an appoligy. Also tired of Dion & NDP's promise that won't even make any since when the economy are in crises.

ellie

I think this is a silly issue. The media always seems to try to make something big of nothing. Lets get to the important issues of the election

A Disappointed Canadian

This is starting to seem like the media is beginning to lose its objectivity and credibility on covering an extremely serious nation impacting event. Sad.

Craig in Calgary

The problem here is that people see prejudice because they WANT to see prejudice.

Let's talk to Lannigan's family and friends and see if she has ever shown a hint of racism. I'm willing to bet my life savings she hasn't.

L.M.

Anyone can say anything unpropriate specialy when they are under stress and pressure on their job, but on this situation I don't see any reason for anyone get fier. The Liberals & NDP's are so desperate that they fabricate dirty all the time out of anything to trow at the Conservatives hoping that will stick. Well, Canadians don't bother with small stuff. These complaints doesn't worth the cost of tax payers money that go into that. Well, the Liberals, NDP's & even the Greens if they are conserned of helping the poor than they should spand this money on them instead of in thinks that doesn't interest Canadians.

Jeff

I can't believe I just wasted my time reading this article.....What a joke..

I just heard that she made much worse comments saying the problems in their community was a result of alcoholism and incest. so it CTV posts my previous comment I would like to retract it as this man as every right to be upset

phauser

News headline October 15, 2008

(translated to english from liberal by yours truly)

Stephane Dion calls upon the prime minister to resign because in his campaign he spoke of a likely minority but won a majority.

Dion is quoted as saying "How can this man Harper be trusted to run a country when he can't even be trusted to screw up his own campaign?"

He went on to say "I would have come up with some better strategy myself but I was too busy jogging when my plane finally gave up the ghost"

My good friend Craig Oliver tells me the conservatives are slipping up, only three of my elected MPs crossed the floor today.

It's the conservatives fault it is only 21 degrees today. If they had not beaten Paul Martin, I wouldn't be standing here now being propped up by my really good buddies Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae.

Hey what is that pigeon poop doing on my shoulder? why are there two knives in my back. STEPHAN HARPER MUST HAVE DONE THIS!!!!!!!!!!

Fred G

"Could anyone imagine the fallout if a white person showed up drunk to a meeting?"

You mean like Ralph Klein. Yes, the fallout was terrible, re-elected how many times?

Larry

If you can't see the insult you must be a blind Conservative supporter! Even your own Conservative Leader admits it was a mistake and apologizes. Do you think he would apologize if he could avoid it? Com'on, grow-up and open your eyes and your mind!

Frank Buchan (Vauxhall, Alberta by way of Ontario)

People clearly presume, based upon their own bias, that the aide was being prejudicial. (She was a woman, to help those who evidently missed the fact and refer to her as a "he" in many comments.) If your bias is to desire racism to be present, you can make the case, but a rational human being with no prejudice would have to err on the side of caution and suggest perhaps the words were poorly chosen, rather than intentionally hurtful. A point of fact is that the protester was clearly looking for confrontation, leaping in with some representation that she was accusing him of alcoholism when she did no such thing. In fact, one even should discount her poor choice of words to some extent, given she was probably experiencing residual stress from the previous incident, a day earlier.

As to the comment of "Melissa - Ontario," assuming this woman prejudiced is essentially representing the behaviour you decry.

To "Scott Stelmaschuk," who observed she referred to "one of them," I might suggest you consider she was probably referring there to "protesters," not "natives."

The assumption of prejudice clouds judgement of what was actually said.

As for why an apology wasissued, it was because it is polite to apologise to people who are insulted, even if insult wasn't intended. It's called civilised behaviour.

This is all spin and nonsense anyhow.

Robert

We must ask the questions: if a white protester asked the same question would her answer have been the same?

up north

Isn't this country facing bigger issues that are far more newsworthy? I cannot see the 'insult'. Lets get some focus and not be so petty.

Robin

First, no dirt on Dion as there is no dirt to advertise. This is not Chretien's cabinet that has scadals to deal with, Dion does not govern so there is no 'dirt'.

I think the conservatives were hoping Canadains would be so distracted by history that they would forget the present. Elections are about the present not the distant past.

Similiar to how Dion's Green Plan is being painted as a type of NEP revivial.

Conservatives still cling to the NEP (almost 30 years ago now isn't it?) like a life preserver trying to convince everyone to vote conservative or the NEP will come back

Idiots: don't they realize that at least half the population has no idea what the NEP was? Seriously, I onced asked a 22 year old how he felt about the Liberal NEP and he LITERALLY thought I was referring to a new political party. When I explained what it was he said 'Why should I care about a program that was cancelled 30 years ago?'

This may be a non-story, but conservatives are really having a hard time coming up with modern scandals to use against any of the opposuing parties and this is bad for conservatives as they really do not want this election to be about issues and what's been going on recently in this country.

One of the main reasons for Dion's selection as Liberal Leader is he does not have any scandals associated with him.

truth sucks eh?

K. Blake, Wallaceburg.

Nice job by Conservative comments on this one. Only a Conservative would not understand what was wrong with prejudice comments classifying an entire group of people as being drunks. The majority of comments on this story are not the kind of comments that make me proud to be Canadian.

brenda

If everyone in Parliament that said something stupid had to be fired, we'd have to government. Hey, maybe there's something to that :)

Niagara Falls guy

I think that Kris D hit the nail on the head. Good work, Kris.

Jamie, Ottawa

paul said, "Well, that pretty much cements my vote - for the PC's" You're going to get a shock when you go to vote Paul. That party isn't around anymore. (A lot of people wish they were though!)

Why did they apologise if this isn't really a big deal? It must have been something if they apologised so quickly.

I can imagine Harper going home at night and saying to his wife with his head in his hands, "why am I surrounded by these people?"

You do have to feel bad for Harper. The talent pool he has to work with doesn't have a deep end.

Bruce from Cambridge

What the heck was wrong with what the the woman said? This is starting to get ridiculous. Doesnt the media have anything better to report? I've had politicians say far worse things to me. And this wasnt even a politician, it was just someone working in a riding office!

Edmonton John

For all the Reform/Alliance masquerading as Conservatives out there, I want to give you some advice from the bottom of my little empathic Liberal heart.

It's called the First Rule of Holes: When you find yourself in one, quit digging!

Listen to you all, one after the other claiming there is no problem, and admitting to the world on the Internet that you simply cannot fathom what took place and what was 'said'.

Each denial of wrongdoing simply confirms the perception of Conservatives as a bunch of old redneck hicks, and now the rest of us have to be careful lest we fall into the trap of tarring all you with the same brush and dismissing all you say as narrow-minded bigoted ramblings.

Cara

To Den

Who are you kidding. If the Liberals had said it it wouldn't even have been mentioned in the press. Last week two, yes two Liberal candidates made comments about "sweeping all the Indians out of Oka". What page was that on?

Tories sorry for comments to native protester

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