Taylor Bachrach, NDP Candidate for Skeena-Bulkley Valley, is calling on the Conservative party to remove Aaron Gunn, Candidate for North Island-Powell River.
According to his release, this is for a statement Gunn made denying residential school history.
“Residential schools have had a deep and lasting impact on generations of First Nations families in the Northwest,” Bachrach said.
He added his call for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to reject all prospective Conservative candidates who deny the lived experiences of residential school survivors.
“To allow someone who has such deeply problematic views about the history of residential schools to run under the Conservative banner calls into question Mr. Poilievre’s own commitment to addressing the harm done.”
Gunn said in a statement on X, “I have always been firm in recognizing the truly horrific events that transpired in residential schools, and any attempt to suggest otherwise is simply false.”
“I have never wavered in condemning the theft of children from their families, or the forced destruction of Indigenous language, culture and traditions,” he continued.
I’d like to clear up what has been said today.
I have always been firm in recognizing the truly horrific events that transpired in residential schools, and any attempt to suggest otherwise is simply false.
I have never wavered in condemning these institutions of abuse, where…
— Aaron Gunn (@AaronGunn) April 4, 2025
Nechako Lakes MLA and BC Conservative Leader John Rustad also posted to X supporting Gunn.
When I was co-chair of my dear friend Ellis Ross’ leadership campaign, Ellis Ross and our whole campaign team advocated for Aaron to have the opportunity to run and remain on the ballot — my view hasn’t changed: Aaron Gunn must be allowed to run.
Aaron is an outstanding young… https://t.co/EPkYW3UT3n
— John Rustad (@JohnRustad4BC) April 4, 2025
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