Local politicians, past and present, have weighed in on the future of North Island-Powell River Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn.
In a letter of support for Gunn, on Legislative Assembly of BC letterhead, from the office of MLA Anna Kindy, representing North Island, one of the signatories is City of Powell River councillor Jim Palm. The current mayor of Campbell River, Kermit Dahl, and a former mayor of Courtenay, Larry Jangula, are among others who signed the letter of support.
In a media release from those opposing the continuation of Gunn as a Conservative candidate, signatories of a letter include City of Powell River councillors Trina Isakson and Cindy Elliott, former councillor Carole Ann Leishman, and former Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Gordon Wilson.
The letter of opposition demands that the Conservative Party of Canada withdraw its endorsement of Gunn and demand withdrawal of his candidacy.
“Gunn’s statements denying the impacts of residential schools and the generational trauma and genocide experienced by First Nations people in Canada are unacceptable,” the release stated. “These views and statements are particularly concerning and harmful in a riding with large numbers of First Nations constituents.
“His statements that ‘residential schools were asked for by Indigenous bands and that there was no genocide,’ and where he said ‘stop lying to people,’ are despicable. These comments are incompatible with a Canada where reconciliation is a priority and commitment. They are also completely contrary to the unanimous motion in the House of Commons recognizing residential schools as genocide.”
The release stated further, they create an unsafe environment for the constituents Gunn would be representing.
The letter in favour of Gunn states that the public deserves the truth.
“Aaron Gunn has been a tireless advocate for taxpayers, a firm supporter of our resource sector, and a nationally renowned filmmaker on important issues such as public safety and the addictions crisis,” the letter stated. “As elected representatives from across the North Island-Powell River riding, we feel compelled to speak out in strong support of Aaron Gunn, whose character and record have been profoundly misrepresented in a troubling smear campaign.
“Specifically, the false accusations of residential school denialism have been particularly egregious. Aaron has repeatedly recognized the truly horrific experience of many First Nations who attended the schools and has always condemned these institutions where abuse occurred.”
The letter stated that Gunn’s only contention, that residential schools did not meet the threshold of genocide, and that Canada is not a genocidal state, is hardly unreasonable and certainly not disqualifying from representing this incredible region.
“We stand with Aaron Gunn, recognizing his dedication to North Island-Powell River, and his determined efforts to bring about meaningful change,” the letter stated. “We urge media outlets, interest groups and individuals to uphold fairness and accuracy in their reporting, and to foster a public discourse where differing views are heard – not silenced.”
According to a Global News account, Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre supports the candidacy of Gunn.
“He’s not denied the impact of residential schools, that’s just misinformation,” Poilievre was reported as saying. “In fact, he has said that he wants to continue to condemn the residential schools and build stronger partnerships with First Nations people to unlock our resources, so that we can produce incredible paycheques and opportunities for First Nations communities across British Columbia.”
Calls by First Nations and federal party leaders for Gunn to be removed began last week, which resulted in the candidate responding on X.
The Peak has reached out to current Powell River councillors Elliott, Isakson and Palm for comment and is awaiting response.
Also seeking to represent North Island-Powell River as MP are Jessica Wegg (Green Party of Canada), Glen Staples (Independent), Jennifer Lash (Liberal Party of Canada), Tanille Johnston (New Democratic Party) and Paul Macknight (People’s Party of Canada).
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