For Immediate Release December 16, 2002

Ahenakew’s statement abhorrent declares Mark

Ottawa – Inky Mark, P.C. Critic for Citizenship and Immigration joined with many others across the country today in denouncing anti-Semitic remarks made this weekend by native leader David Ahenakew.

While speaking at a conference in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan this past weekend David Ahenakew, a former chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Assembly of First Nations, said the Nazis ``were trying to clean up the world'' and likened the Jews to a disease.

“It is unbelievable that someone who was a respected leader in the aboriginal community could denounce one group of people who have been persecuted and then place the blame for this dark part of history on the shoulders of the victims,” Mark commented.

“Canada is a country of amazing variety and citizens pride themselves on their tolerance and mutual respect of diversity.  Canada is a model to the world and shows that it is possible to work together despite our differences.  Ahenakew’s remarks show intolerance and are disrespectful of Canadian values.

“Mr. Ahenakew must apologize to all Canadians for his comments. Such comments have no place in Canadian society,” Mark said in conclusion.