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
Sask. RCMP issue Amber Alert for 7-year-old girl and 8-year-old boy
An Amber Alert was issued Monday evening by Shaunavon RCMP in Saskatchewan for seven-year-old Luna Potts and eight-year-old Hunter Potts.

Trump says Florida estate 'under siege, raided, and occupied' by FBI
The FBI searched Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate as part of an investigation into whether he took classified records from the White House to his Florida residence, people familiar with the matter said Monday, a move that represents a dramatic and unprecedented escalation of law enforcement scrutiny of the former president.
Anne Heche remains in critical condition as police continue to investigate her car crash
Anne Heche has remained in critical condition since crashing her vehicle into a Los Angeles residence on Friday, according to a new representative for the actress.
Helicopters bring supplies to Newfoundland towns cut off by raging forest fires
Helicopters have begun bringing essential supplies to southern Newfoundland towns cut off from the rest of the island by two out-of-control forest fires.
WhatsApp is going to stop letting everyone see when you're online
Two new features being introduced on WhatsApp, which will let you choose who can see when you're active, and to leave groups silently, will start rolling out to all WhatsApp users this month.
Actor, singer Olivia Newton-John dies at age 73
Singer and actor Olivia Newton-John, who was best known for playing Sandy in the film 'Grease,' has died at the age of 73, according to her husband.
Billionaires are funding a massive treasure hunt in Greenland as ice vanishes
Some of the world's richest men are funding a massive treasure hunt, complete with helicopters and transmitters, on the west coast of Greenland.
Ashton Kutcher says he battled the debilitating disease vasculitis. Here's what it is
Ashton Kutcher revealed Monday he had battled a serious autoimmune disease that affected his hearing, sight and ability to walk for more than a year.
RCMP has been using spyware tools for years and in more cases than previously reported, MPs told
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and senior RCMP officers are defending the national police force's years-long and previously undisclosed use of spyware—capable of remotely accessing cell phone and computer microphones, cameras and other data—as part of dozens of major investigations.