PC MHA Lela Evans defied protocol in the House of Assembly yesterday while delivering an impassioned statement on the way the provincial government handles Indigenous issues.

Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Scott Reid had just read a ministerial statement talking about steps government has taken to respect and promote Indigenous cultures, including various training, education, and art initiatives.

In response to Reid’s statement, Evans, who is the representative for Torngat Mountains, says she respects how government speaks of the issues, but the realities faced by Innu and Innuit communities of northern Labrador paint a “stark, different picture.”

Evans argues that essential services such as housing and healthcare have been “neglected” for years, and the “shocking” realities have become “old news.”

During her speech Evans was told that her speaking time had expired, but she pressed on.

Evans’ microphone was turned off, but, despite reminders from the speaker that her time had expired and to take her seat, she continued. Even with her mic off, Evans’ voice echoed through the chamber for about another 30 seconds, her voice cracking with emotion at times. Her PC colleagues banged on their desks in support for a prolonged period after she had concluded.