We constantly speak to groups with whom we disagree, Poilievre said in an interview after his speech at Winnipeg’s Frontier Center for Public Policy.
In 2018, the center ran a radio advertisement that was quickly withdrawn, saying it was a myth that boarding schools were depriving Indigenous children of their childhood.
Last summer, the center published a comment on its website that the stories of schoolchildren being murdered and secretly buried were highly suspect, if not outright false.
Recently, on December 7, 2022, an article signed by Peter Best, a Sudbury attorney, was published on the organization’s website. Mr. Best supports the abolition of the reservation system and special rights for Aborigines.
Citing an 1889 book by a Christian missionary, he argues that Aboriginal cultures were lost when Aboriginal people were overwhelmed by the overwhelming benefits of European-Canadian culture.
Also in December, the center published an article claiming that anti-white male policies are the only systemic discrimination there is.
Federal Minister Dan Vandal, who represents a horseback riding in Winnipeg, accused Mr. Poilievre of promoting ideas and organizations that do not represent Winnipeg or Manitoba.
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Of all the wonderful places that Winnipeg has to offer, many Winnipeggers, including myself, are dismayed @PierrePoilievre has opted for that @FrontierCenter as his top priority, although I’m not surprised.
— Dan Vandal (@stbstvdan) January 13, 2023
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Of all the wonderful places Winnipeg has to offer, many Winnipeggers, including myself, are appalled that Pierre Poilievre has chosen the Frontier Center For Public Policy as his top priority, although I’m not surprised, he writes.
The Minister for Crown Indigenous Relations, Marc Miller, also criticized the Conservative leader.
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In 2008, Mr Poilievre rightly apologized for saying that the survivors of the Residential School, many of whom were of a very advanced age, should learn the value of hard work. Today’s stunt challenges that excuse. #cdnpoli https://t.co/TqChVrrovT
—Marc Miller (@MarcMillerVM) January 13, 2023
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In 2008, Mr Poilievre rightly apologized for saying that boarders, many of whom were very old, should learn the value of hard work. Today’s scandal calls those excuses into question, read a post on Mr Miller’s Twitter account.
For his part, Pierre Poilievre said his feelings were clear. I, of course, support reconciliation and believe that boarding schools are a hideous and terrible scourge in our country’s history.
In a written statement, Mr Poilievre’s spokesman said speaking in front of a group does not mean you endorse the opinions of everyone who has ever worked for the group.
Their spokesman continues: We condemn all forms of racism and bigotry, including systemic racism at CBC, as addressed by CBC staff.
Mr. Poilievre’s answer
Mr Poilievre also hit back at his opponents, saying that politicians from the Liberals and New Democrats had previously spoken at the centre.
His staff provided examples, including former Federal Treasury Secretary Paul Martin, who interviewed the center 21 years ago, and former Manitoba Governor General and NDP Premier Ed Schreyer at a luncheon at the center in 2013, 29 years after his last public had held office.
Mr Poilievre also compared the situation to Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government, after Mr Trudeau admitted to wearing blackface and brownface in suits in his youth.
For their part, officials at the center did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Poilievre’s speech was part of a day-long visit to the Manitoba capital, where a by-election is expected soon to fill the Winnipeg South Center seat held by Liberal Rep. Jim Carr, who died in December.
The seat has a long Liberal tradition, although the Conservatives won it for one term in 2011.
Mr Poilievre said he will run in the constituency and said he was optimistic. I think the people of Manitoba have suffered enough under Mr. Trudeau and want change.
With information from the Canadian Press, Gavin Boutroy and Anne-Louise Michel