The Conservative MP who said native people need to learn the value of hard work more than they need residential schools compensation has apologized.
Pierre Poilievre rose in the House of Commons on Thursday to say his comments were hurtful and wrong.
"Yesterday on a day when the House and all Canadians were celebrating a new beginning, I made remarks that were hurtful and wrong," he said.
"I accept responsibility for them and I apologize."
Mr. Poilievre questioned the value of residential schools compensation on an Ottawa radio show just hours before the prime minister apologized Wednesday for racist policies.
"Along with this apology comes another four billion dollars in compensation for those who partook in the residential schools," he said, adding dramatic emphasis to the $4-billion, during an appearance on CFRA Radio just before the apology.
"Some of us are starting to ask, are we really getting value for all of this money and is money really going to solve the problem?"
Last night, Mr. Poilievre issued a statement about his comments.
"I stated that aboriginals deserve protection under Canada's human-rights laws and that the record dollars that the government is spending on aboriginals should reach the people in need," the e-mailed statement said.
The Liberal opposition said the remarks were shocking and called for his resignation.
The Prime Minister rebuffed those calls and said Mr. Poilievre has also apologized to national aboriginal groups.
More to come