THUNDER BAY - After years of scrutiny for comments made about residential schools, Senator Lynn Beyak of Dryden announced her retirement from the Upper Chamber, but continues to stand by her divisive comments.
Beyak made the announcement on Monday, which marks exactly eight years since she was first appointed to the Senate in 2013 by then Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“The opportunity to serve all Canadians – and especially those people whose voices often don’t get heard – is an honour and a privilege I treasure,” Beyak said in a statement.
Beyak generated controversy in recent years after she defended the residential school system and saying it was well-intentioned and posted letters with racist comments towards Indigenous people to her website.
In 2019, the Senate suspended Beyak with pay and she was required to undertake cultural sensitivity training. She also issued an apology, saying her actions were unhelpful to the conversation around the issue.
In October, it was revealed that Beyak illegally donated to Donald Trump's reelection bid in the United States. In December, the Senate tabled a motion to suspend Beyak from the chamber but with her retirement the motion will no longer be heard.
In her statement announcing her retirement, Beyak continued to defend her comments.
“Some have criticized me for stating that the good, as well as the bad, of residential schools should be recognized,” she wrote. “I stand by the statement. Others have criticized me for stating the Truth and Reconciliation Report was not as balanced as it should be. I stand by that statement as well.”
She also said she has been criticized for offering a space for Canadians to comment critically on the Indian Act.
“My statements and the resulting posts were never meant to offend anyone and I continue to believe that Indigenous issues are so important to all of us that a frank and honest conversation about them is vital,” she wrote.
Beyak’s retirement will be effective as of Jan. 25.
