Two Indigenous men have quit their positions on Manitoba economic development boards in the wake of controversial remarks by Premier Brian Pallister and a cabinet minister. Until last week, Brown served on the government-appointed board of directors of the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation, which provides support to businesses and communities in southern Manitoba. Pallister defended his comments, saying he never mentioned colonialism and instead meant to get across the idea that Indigenous and non-Indigenous people often worked together to build Canada. Two days later, Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke quit her cabinet post. The next Manitoba election is slated for October 2023 although Pallister has hinted he may leave well before then.

Source: CBC News July 18, 2021 23:03 UTC