By Canadian Press

Tory MP in hot water as First Nation demands apology for comments he made in House

Feb 12, 2024 | 12:02 PM

OTTAWA — Piapot First Nation is demanding an apology from a Conservative MP after he said First Nations are burning down water treatment plants because they’re frustrated with the Liberals.

Saskatchewan MP Kevin Waugh made the comments during debate on a First Nations water bill last week, leading to swift pushback from First Nations and the minister of Indigenous services.

A water plant in Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation was damaged by a fire in 2019, and another in Piapot First Nation burned down in 2018.

But no specific cause was reported for either fire.

Waugh walked back his comments a few days later, with his office conceding he is not familiar with any specific circumstances.

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But Chief Mark Fox and his council say they reject Waugh’s statements as “grossly disrespectful,” and are calling for a formal apology and retraction of the “baseless claims.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2024.

The Canadian Press