A B.C. Conservative candidate has come under heavy criticism for making derogatory comments about Indigenous people during an election-night interview, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for her removal from the party.
Marina Sapozhnikov’s remarks, initially reported by the Vancouver Sun, included calling Indigenous people “savages” and condemning Indigenous history courses taught in B.C. universities.
Her comments were made during an Oct.19 interview with Vancouver Island University student Alyona Latsinnik, who later shared the recording with CBC News. In the tape, Sapozhnikov can be heard saying that Indigenous people “were savages” who “fought with each other all the time.”
She also goes on to denounce the NDP government’s adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, claiming it has turned non-Indigenous British Columbians into “second-rate citizens.”
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), has condemned recent comments from B.C. Conservative candidate Marina Sapozhnikov, who made disparaging remarks about Indigenous people during an election-night interview. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press)
The candidate’s remarks have sparked outrage from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), with its president, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, calling them “disgusting” and “sickening.”
“I thought that we were far beyond publicly using the word savages,” he told CBC News.
“She seems to be very free and open about her beliefs and she could end up being a minister.”
Sapozhnikov, who fell behind her NDP opponent in the Juan de Fuca-Malahat riding by 106 votes following a Saturday recount, has not responded to requests for comment.
Academics, fellow party members condemn the remarks
In an interview with CBC News, University of British Columbia political science lecturer Stewart Prest said Sapozhnikov’s claims are “entirely false,” adding they were “needlessly divisive at a time when B.C. is taking cautious steps towards inclusivity.”
The comments have drawn strong reactions from her own party members as well.
Kamloops Centre MLA-elect Peter Milobar, who says he married into a First Nation family, voiced his disapproval on social media, calling the comments “reprehensible” and emphasizing that “real and meaningful reconciliation can happen only through genuine conversations, shared learnings and mutual respect.”
B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad also condemned Sapozhnikov’s statements, in a statement calling them “profoundly harmful” and inconsistent with the party’s values.
“We are taking this matter seriously,” his statement read. “As leader, I am committed to ensuring that our party leads with respect and understanding for all British Columbians.”
Grand Chief Phillip said the UBCIC has called on the Conservative Leader Rustad to remove Sapozhnikov from the party.
According to Prest, Sapozhnikov can’t be removed while the recount process in her riding continues.
“If she were to win that riding, would she resign herself?” Prest asked. “Or if she were to win and remain as MLA, then [Rustad] would have a choice whether to welcome her into the B.C. Conservative caucus or to expel her.”
He added constituents in the Juan de Fuca-Malahat riding could also initiate a recall petition to remove her from office, if she is elected.