OTTAWA — Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault has stepped down from his cabinet position following revelations about inconsistent statements regarding his ties to Indigenous heritage.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced Wednesday that Justin Trudeau and Boissonnault mutually agreed that the minister would leave his role immediately to address the allegations against him. Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor will temporarily oversee Boissonnault’s portfolios, including employment and official languages, while maintaining her current responsibilities as Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.
Boissonnault, who previously identified as a “non-status adopted Cree” and claimed his great-grandmother was a “full-blooded Cree woman,” later clarified that his family has Métis lineage. He apologized last week for not being “clear” about his ancestry, stating he was learning about his heritage “in real time.”
The controversy deepened after it emerged that a company co-owned by Boissonnault had falsely claimed Indigenous ownership while bidding on federal contracts. Boissonnault denied knowledge of this claim, noting that the company did not qualify as an Indigenous supplier.
Liberal MPs expressed varied reactions to the resignation. Jamie Battiste, Chair of the Liberal Indigenous Caucus, said the decision was up to the Prime Minister. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault defended Boissonnault, acknowledging the mistake and asserting that “it happens to all of us.”
Other MPs suggested that Boissonnault should directly address the allegations. Vance Badawey, also a member of the Indigenous caucus, remarked, “He’s a big boy. He’s got his big boy pants on.”
Boissonnault’s resignation underscores the importance of accountability and transparency regarding claims of Indigenous heritage, particularly for those in public office.
