Danielle Smith attempts to clarify First Nations comparison some label 'disgusting'
Some Albertans are accusing the premier and one of her ministers of being racially insensitive after separate comments this week.
On Tuesday, Danielle Smith compared Alberta's relationship with the federal government to decades of colonialism.
"The way I've described it to the chiefs I have spoken with is that they have fought a battle for the last number of years to get sovereignty respected and to extract themselves from the paternalistic Indian Act," Smith said. "We (Alberta) get treated the exact same way from Ottawa."
An apology was issued Wednesday, but some say it didn't go far enough.
"If my comments were misconstrued, I absolutely apologize for it," Smith said. "My intention was to demonstrate that we have a common problem with Ottawa. Ottawa I think unfortunately treats First Nations with disrespect and they also treat provinces with disrespect."
IMMEDIATE PUSHBACK
Regardless of the walk-back, some still argue that the downplaying of Canadian atrocities sends a clear message.
"I can't even put together how there would be any connection there whatsoever," said Jessica Salkeld with the Calgary chapter of the Reconciliation Action Group. "But it was offensive to every marginalized person, and obviously to all Indigenous people throughout Canada.
"Making that comparison is so misguided and also quite the dog whistle to white nationalists out there. I can't quite think of more disgusting comments to make."
'ALBERTA FIRST, LAST AND FOREVER'
Smith isn't the only UCP member being accused of insensitivity and racism.
Hours after the premier's comments, Alberta's minister of advanced education found himself in hot water about a video he tweeted out.
In it, Demetrios Nicolaides talks about Alberta's fight against Ottawa, referencing provincial politicians like former MLA Alwyn Bramley-Moore.
He served more than 100 years ago.
"As MLA Bramley-Moore said in 1911 – Alberta first, last and forever," Nicolaides said.
The minister also makes multiple mentions of a book Bramley-Moore wrote, all in an effort to speak to the author's views on Alberta sovereignty.
But the 1911 read, Canada and Her Colonies, includes overtly racist lines.
One page says the "admission of coloured people, yellow or black, constitutes a possible menace to the supremacy of the white race."
And another excerpt about Black Albertans says that "such an immigration is particularly undesirable."
"Institutionally, there are some pretty big blind spots within the UCP and this is a clear example of it," Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley said.
Nikolaides told CTV News that the video's purpose was to discuss Alberta’s history, and that the book "contains unacceptable social views, which I did not reference, quote, nor endorse."
Salkeld believes the damage is already done.
"I don't accept any of that and I am just disgusted," she said in response to the minister's statement. "There's no way that you can quote pieces of that text and then say that we should be following anything or taking any examples from it, other than that it's horribly racist and hateful."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE @ 11:15 A.M. MT Extent of Jasper wildfire damage still unknown; Alberta Wildfire hosting update
Officials are waiting to learn Thursday morning the extent of wildfire damage in the Jasper townsite of Jasper National Park, which flames began to eat away at the night before.
WATCH LIVE Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on social media that Ottawa has approved Alberta's request for federal assistance after a fast-moving wildfire hit Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
Canadian women's soccer team staffer given suspended prison sentence over drone incident, prosecutor says
A Canada women's soccer team staffer has been given an eight-month suspended prison sentence after flying a drone to film the closed-door training session of the New Zealand team on Monday, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
WATCH LIVE 'Sick to my stomach': People grieve Jasper National Park by sharing favourite photos
As an out-of-control wildfire roared through Alberta’s famed Jasper National Park and its townsite late Wednesday, many are fearing the worst as officials warned of 'significant loss' within the area.
Prince William made $42 million from his newly inherited estate last year, reports show
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Sale of envoy's NYC condo 'expected to exceed' $9M: government
The current official residence for Canada's representative in New York City is 'being readied for sale,' according to a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada.
'I'm so broke': Two Toronto women speak out after losing $76,000 in romance scam
Two women from the Toronto area are speaking out after losing thousands of dollars to a romance scam, including a single mother who lost $62,000.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.