Edmonton MP Randy Boissonnault has stepped down from his cabinet role as Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages Minister to address allegations regarding his Indigenous identity.
In a statement released Wednesday before question period, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office announced the decision. “Prime Minister Trudeau and MP Randy Boissonnault have agreed that Mr. Boissonnault will step away from Cabinet effective immediately. Mr. Boissonnault will focus on clearing the allegations made against him,” the statement read.
Temporary Leadership Transition
Veterans Affairs Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor will assume Boissonnault’s ministerial responsibilities while the Edmonton MP works to address the accusations. This marks a shift from Trudeau’s earlier defense of Boissonnault on Tuesday, where he praised his contributions to the cabinet.
Allegations and Reactions
The controversy centers around claims that Boissonnault misrepresented an Indigenous background during past elections. Additionally, his former company allegedly misidentified as Indigenous-owned to secure federal contracts reserved for Indigenous-led businesses. Boissonnault has categorically denied these accusations, calling them “false.”
Liberal MPs, however, are urging Boissonnault to provide a clearer account of the situation. B.C. MP Ken Hardie emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “A good bit of clear light on the situation is the best disinfectant.” Hardie also suggested that Boissonnault should face the media directly to clarify his position.
Conservative Scrutiny and Liberal Defense
Conservative MPs have called for Boissonnault’s resignation, turning the allegations into a heated topic during Tuesday’s question period. While some Liberal colleagues support Boissonnault, others, like Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, referenced prior ethics reviews that cleared him of wrongdoing.
Despite the controversy, Liberal cabinet members, including Sean Fraser, vouched for Boissonnault’s professionalism but refrained from commenting on his personal claims of Indigenous identity.
Background of the Claims
Boissonnault had previously stated that his great-grandmother was a Cree woman, though he now admits this was inaccurate. His family maintains Métis heritage, backed by records from the Métis Nation of Alberta. Boissonnault, however, does not claim formal Indigenous status himself.
The situation remains a significant political challenge for Boissonnault and a point of focus for the opposition as investigations continue.
Source: Swifteradio.com
