A British Columbia Conservative candidate faced harsh criticism for making derogatory comments about Indigenous people during an election night interview, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for her to withdraw from the race. party.

Marina Sapozhnikov’s remarks, initially reported by the Vancouver Sun, included calling Indigenous people “savages” and condemning Indigenous history courses taught at British Columbia universities.

His 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 “were always fighting.”

She also denounces the NDP government’s passage of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, saying it has transformed non-Indigenous British Columbians into “second-class citizens.”

The candidate’s comments sparked outrage from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), and its president, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, calling them “disgusting” and “sickening.”

“I thought we couldn’t use the word savage publicly,” he told CBC News.

“She seems very free and open about her beliefs and she could become a minister.”

Sapozhnikov, who fell behind his NDP opponent in the constituency of Juan de Fuca-Malahat by 106 votes following a recount Saturday, did not respond to requests for comment.

Academics and party colleagues condemn these remarks

In an interview with CBC News, Stewart Perst, a political science professor at the University of British Columbia, said Sapozhnikov’s claims were “completely false,” adding that they “needlessly sow discord at a time when British Columbia Takes Cautious Steps Toward Inclusivity.”

The comments also sparked strong reactions from members of his own party.

Kamloops Center MP-elect Peter Milobar, who says he married into a First Nations family, expressed his disapproval on social media, calling the comments “reprehensible” and emphasizing that “real and meaningful reconciliation cannot be achieved.” can only happen through real conversations, shared learning and mutual exchange. respect.”

BC Conservative Party Leader John Rustad also condemned Sapozhnikov’s statements, calling them “deeply harmful” and inconsistent with the party’s values.

“We take this matter seriously,” its statement said. “As leader, I am committed to ensuring that our party leads with respect and understanding for all British Columbians.”

Grand Chief Phillip said UBCIC had asked conservative leader Rustad to remove Sapozhnikov from the party.

According to Perst, Sapozhnikov cannot be impeached while the recount process continues in her district.

“If she won this constituency, would she give up?” » asked Perst. “Or if she were to win and remain an MP, then (Rustad) would have the choice of welcoming her into the BC Conservative caucus or expelling her.”

He added that voters in the Juan de Fuca-Malahat constituency could also launch a recall petition to remove her from office, if she is elected.