Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper has apologized for comments he made regarding the violent takedown of an Inuk man by a municipal officer in Happy Valley-Goose Bay last week.

Trimper made the comments on a local radio show, several times saying there are people who choose to live lifestyles that put them at risk.

He noted that there are supports for homeless people as well as those with addictions in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which includes his district, yet said some choose not to avail of those supports. He said that in turn puts others in the community at risk.

Torngat Mountains MHA Lela Evans said Trimper owes an apology to the people of his district, as well as all Indigenous people in this province and across the country, noting people with addictions often have no choice but to end up at risk.

She said it’s up to Premier Furey to decide if Trimper should continue in his role as a parliamentary secretary.

It’s not the first time Trimper has come under fire for his comments. In 2019 he was recorded on a phone call saying the Innu were playing the “race card” involving the motor vehicle registration division.