AMC Condemns Manitoba PC Leadership Candidate’s Disturbing Comments on Homelessness

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) strongly condemns the deeply offensive comments made by Wally Daudrich, a candidate in the Manitoba Progressive Conservative leadership race, regarding homelessness in Winnipeg. Daudrich’s suggestion that polar bears be released in the city to address homelessness is not only cruel and dehumanizing but also demonstrates a disturbing lack of empathy for vulnerable populations.

“To make light of the suffering experienced by those struggling with homelessness, many of whom are First Nations people displaced due to systemic failures, is disgraceful and unacceptable,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “His comments are not a joke. They reflect an ignorance of the colonial and structural inequities that have led to the housing crisis faced by so many First Nations and non-First Nations people alike.”

First Nations people in Manitoba are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to ongoing colonial policies, lack of equitable funding for housing, and the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and the Sixties Scoop. Instead of addressing the root causes of homelessness—such as inadequate social supports, mental health challenges, and barriers to housing security—Daudrich has chosen to mock those who are suffering.

“This type of rhetoric is harmful and serves to further stigmatize individuals in need of support,” added Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “We call on the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party to denounce these comments and to demand accountability from their leadership candidates.”

The AMC urges all leaders and policymakers in Manitoba to prioritize meaningful solutions to homelessness, including access to safe and affordable housing, culturally appropriate supports, and harm reduction strategies that respect the dignity of all people.

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For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

NT4