Laval, QC, May 31, 2021 – The president of Teamsters Canada, François Laporte, made the following statement on last week’s devastating discovery in Kamloops, British Columbia:
“Last week, a mass grave containing the remains of 215 indigenous children was discovered at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, in B.C. Such a devastating discovery should come as a surprise to no one. Canada’s residential school system is our national shame. In solidarity with the families and the survivors, Teamsters Canada supports calls to scan all residential school sites for more unmarked children’s graves. Moreover, we are dismayed that plans to do so have not already been announced.”
Support is available for anyone affected by the lingering effects of residential schools, and those who are triggered by the latest reports. A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.
Teamsters represent close to 125,000 workers across Canada across multiple industries. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, has 1.4 million members in North America. Visit teamsters.ca for more information. Follow us on Twitter @TeamstersCanada and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/TeamstersCanada
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Media requests:
Christopher Monette
Director of Public Affairs
Teamsters Canada
Cell. : 514-226-6002
[email protected]
