OTTAWA, Ont. - Embattled Senator Lynn Beyak has publically apologized for what she called ‘ill-considered’ actions when she posted racist letters on her Senate website.
The apology came before the Senate on Tuesday after Question Period. Beyak also apologized for the harm she may have caused when she referred to the residential school system as having a positive impact for some Indigenous children.
“I would like to unreservedly apologize for my actions,” Beyak said in the Senate. “Because of my belief in free speech, my initial instincts were to leave the letters on the website. After long and careful consideration, I now regret not insisting on their removal.”
Beyak’s comments and the letters posted to her website generated wide-spread condemnation, with the Dryden City Council moving a motion to condemn her and call for her resignation as a representative of the region.
Beyak was also facing a second suspension from the upper house, having first been suspended late last year for failing to complete anti-racism training because she was asked to leave by the instructor with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres due to her ‘inflexibility and conduct.’
The Senate Committee recommended Beyak remain suspended because she only apologized for violating Senate rules. She issued a one-sentence statement last year when asked to apologize and it was criticized for not acknowledging the hurt she had caused Indigenous people.
The letters posted to her Senate website spoke out in favour of comments Beyak made in the Senate that the residential school system resulted in positive experiences for some students.
“They were disrespectful, divisive, and unacceptable,” Beyak said. “Regretfully, my actions were unhelpful to the national conversation on this issue.”
On Tuesday, Beyak said her intent was never to hurt anyone and she now sees her “actions did not have their desired effect, which was to promote open and constructive dialogue.”
Beyak will be required to complete education and sensitivity training and she said she is eager to do so.
