Caquiste leader François Legault has apologized to Joyce Echaquan’s husband, after claiming racism issues were resolved at the hospital where the Indigenous woman died.
Mr. Legault spoke to Carol Dubé, stating in particular that they had experienced a sad and dramatic event.
“Last week at the debate, I took your word for it, I hurt you and I sincerely apologize for that,” he said.
During a televised debate of party leaders last week, Mr. Legault said that “the problem that happened with Ms. Joyce [Echaquan] at the Joliette hospital, it is now settled”.
This declaration had provoked reactions from the Atikamekw Council of Manawan (CDAM), the Atikamekw Nation Council (CNA) as well as Mr. Dubé, spouse of Ms. Echaquan, according to whom the problem is not resolved.
Mr. Legault said on Tuesday that he had tried to report, “perhaps clumsily”, on his government’s record in the fight against racism, during the last leaders’ debate.
“There is still racism in Quebec, especially against Aboriginal people, it is unacceptable. We have set up training for the employees of the networks, we have put in place Aboriginal liaison officers to make the link between the Aboriginal communities and the networks. »
More details will follow.
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