Randy Boissonnault Apologizes Over Indigenous Heritage Claims

Randy Boissonnault, Canada's Employment Minister, has issued an apology regarding his claims of Indigenous ancestry, following scrutiny over his inconsistent statements about his heritage. He acknowledged that he had not been clear about his family's connections to Indigenous identity, stating, 'I apologize unequivocally for not being as clear about my family history as I could have been.' Questions arose after it was revealed that his former company, Global Health Imports, falsely identified itself as Indigenous-owned during federal contract bids. Indigenous researchers and leaders, including the president of the Métis Nation, have challenged Boissonnault's claims, asserting he does not qualify for citizenship under their guidelines. Additionally, Chadwick Cowie, an expert Boissonnault cited for his identity, clarified that he never referred to him as 'non-status adopted Cree,' but rather as adopted into a family with Cree lineage. The situation has prompted calls from the Conservative party for Boissonnault to testify before an ethics committee due to allegations of misleading representations.