Residential school denialism shouldn't be illegal, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has expressed opposition to criminalizing residential school denialism, arguing that education is a more effective tool than legislation. The comments follow the reintroduction of a private member's bill by MP Leah Gazan that seeks to outlaw the minimization or denial of the residential school system.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between protecting historical truth regarding Indigenous genocide and maintaining freedom of speech in Canadian politics.
"I have a lot of respect for MP Gazan, but I don't think we can criminalize this. I think we have to just do the continued work of educating people and trying to combat misinformation," Kinew told CBC Manitoba Up to Speed host Marcy Markusa on Friday.
Gazan first introduced Bill C-254 , her private member’s bill to amend the Criminal Code regarding the promotion of hatred against Indigenous people, in October 2024, but it died when the spring 2025 election was called.
"If the government is serious about reconciliation, then they need to protect survivors and their families from hate," Gazan said when she first introduced it.
"The residential school system was a genocide designed to wipe out Indigenous cultures, languages, families and heritage. To downplay, deny or justify it is cruel, harmful and hateful."
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