During the leader debate on Oct 8, 2024 BC NDP David Eby suggested Conservative Party of BC John Rustad said economic reconciliation is comparable to parent-child relationship between the government and First Nations.
“Well I don’t know if I would compare a relationship with First Nations to parent and child” Eby says before quickly pivoting into campaign talking points.
Eby was responding to a story Rustad told about a Indigenous mother that stopped by his office in the past to thank him for the work he has done.
Rustad explained how a Indigenous single mother dropped by his office with a meat offering to thank him for helping pave a way with a program she was able to use to get training and support to find a job so she can provide for her family.
What did John Rustad actually say? Below you will find the video and full transcript unedited.
“We need to see in this province is an opportunity for everybody to be able to prosper there’s no question there. That’s one of the reasons why as part of economic reconciliation we are actually going to look at the strategic return of land to First nation’s people. It needs to happen this is rights and title. Right title is included section 35 of our constitution. So we will be engaging with First Nations but we want to make sure that what we’re doing with First Nations is creating those opportunities for success. I have seen it. When I have a young lady that comes to me and says. I’d like to give you a meat offering . And I say, what for? Because you put a program in place that gave me some training. I got my first job. I was living on the street as a single mom. I had my child in the street, I couldn’t look after my child. Now I have a job. I’m back doing some training I have another job and I just want to say thank you.”
“That is what economic reconciliation is connecting with people making sure they have an opportunity to build a future and look after the kids that’s what any parent would want in the province. That’s what we need to deliver when we’re working with First Nations in BC.”
