Regina city councillor responds to backlash surrounding comments on homelessness
A comment made by Coun. Terina Shaw about homelessness continues to stir controversy, with First Nations organizations calling on the city to take disciplinary action.
“I heard this once by an Indigenous person from RTSIS (Regina Treaty Status Indian Services). She talked about people within the Indigenous culture that don’t want to have homes,” she said during a recent council meeting on addressing homelessness.
Coun. Shaw said she feels her comments have been misrepresented.
“My concern is that we need to address people that don’t want to be in a home. Rapid housing isn’t going to fit and help the people that don’t want to be in homes and if that is an issue and if we have that in our city, if that’s let’s say 10 per cent of the population that’s homeless, then we need to address that,” she said.
The Ward 7 councillor was referring to a conversation with Erica Beaudin from RTSIS. Beaudin also feels she has been misrepresented.
“There is a small group that choose not to be housed or have their own home and I further went on to say, I didn’t stop there, I further went on to say in that conversation however it’s a very small amount of people,” she said.
Beaudin claims she never brought race into that part of the conversation. Her point was that the services are needed for homeless people with varying needs.
Now, First Nation groups are calling on Regina city council to take ownership and disciplinary action.
“We can use this as an opportunity for her and others that need better information; that need a lesson on First Nation culture and protocols. If our people want her to resign, then we support that,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.
First Nations groups have invited Coun. Shaw to meet with them, including other members of council in hopes that could help clear the air and return the focus to dealing with homelessness.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.