RMWB Councillor Shafiq Dogar has apologized for offensive comments he made about Indigenous people during a public Council meeting.
Released on May 24, 2022, a report from the Wood Buffalo Integrity Commissioner recommended Dogar publicly apologize in relation to a budget meeting on Feb 3, 2022.
Councillor Kendrick Cardinal introduced a motion calling for supports to help combat the crisis facing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S).
However, during the discussion, Dogar said Indigenous people come to Fort McMurray “to drink and fight”.
The comment sparked outrage and calls for his resignation from many people, including other councillors, then-CAO Jamie Doyle, First Nations and Métis leaders, and Mayor Sandy Bowman.
Updated Statement from Mayor Sandy Bowman: https://t.co/j4CPidp4GB #ymm #RMWB pic.twitter.com/mTSIwkzQ9E
— rmwoodbuffalo (@RMWoodBuffalo) February 4, 2022
Dogar issued a public apology, noting his poor English-skills and adding he’s sorry for the tragedies faced by Indigenous people.
The report also recommended Dogar be censured and removed from council committees until he completes governance and sensitivity training.
