Former PM Chretien called out over comments on residential schools
CTV
Former prime minister Jean Chretien is being called out over his recent comments on residential schools, after stating he was not aware of any abuses happening in these institutions while he was minister of then-Indian affairs. In the CTV interview, Chretien was asked whether he takes some responsibility or would apologize for his role in Canada's residential school legacy. 'We were not informed of any abuse at that time,' he said.
Former prime minister Jean Chretien is being called out over his recent comments on residential schools, after stating he was not aware of any abuses happening in these institutions while he was minister of then-Indian affairs.
In two interviews promoting his new book that aired on Sunday, one on CTV’s Question Period, and one on popular French-language talk show Tout le monde en parle on Radio Canada, Chretien was asked about his role in Canada’s residential school legacy.
Chretien was the minister of Indian affairs between 1968 to 1974 under then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau. He went on to become prime minister and saw the last operational residential school closed while he was in office.
In the CTV interview, Chretien was asked whether he takes some responsibility in light of the continued discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential school sites.
