Listen to MHA Perry Trimper apologizing for comments left on the Innu Nation’s voicemail. Originally aired on 590 VOCM.
Perry Trimper, the MHA for Lake Melville, is apologizing for his damaging comments left on voicemail, which have upset the Innu Nation.
The Innu Nation has shared audio online of what was intended to be a short message from Trimper on their voicemail.
Labrador MHA Perry Trimper leaves disturbing voicemail w/ Innu Nation staff. Innu Nation didn't accuse NL of bias, we asked NL to allow us to provide free language support to our members. Accuses Innu of entitlement, playing race card.https://t.co/9Yi19oHE7f @CHRC #Innu #Racism
— Innu Nation (@ntesinan) September 12, 2019
The message was relating to ongoing communications regarding translation services for motor registration, followed by an exit greeting. However, it appears he failed to disconnect the call, allowing a conversation between Trimper and a woman to be recorded.
The unidentified woman used the word “entitlement” in reference to the Innu, and Trimper responds saying that the “race card” is brought up all the time.
Speaking with VOCM’s Brian Madore, Trimper acknowledged the comments saying he regrets the words he used, apologizing for the term “race card.”
As of Thursday evening, Trimper offered apologies to the Grand Chief of the Innu Nation Greg Rich and executive assistant Dominic Rich—however it is not yet known if the apologies were accepted.
Trimper says he has great respect and reverence for members of the Innu Nation, and must now begin rebuilding.
Premier’s Office Issues Statement
Premier Dwight Ball, who sits as Minister of Indigenous Affairs, is not yet saying anything about the future of Perry Trimper as cabinet minister.
However, the Premier’s Office offered this comment:
“The Premier spoke to Grand Chief Rich and apologized for what had happened. In no way does Minister Trimper’s comments reflect the views of Premier Ball, or that of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Government values the relationship with the Innu Nation and holds the Innu Nation in the highest respect. During the conversation, the Premier offered to meet with Grand Chief Rich at his earliest convenience. Grand Chief Rich committed to getting back to Premier Ball to discuss this further. The Premier is waiting on confirmation from the Innu Nation.”
Innu Nation “Shocked” by Comments
Advisers of Innu Nation are “scratching their heads” after Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville, left the voicemail on a member’s phone.
Gregory Rich, Grand Chief of Innu Nation, says the voicemail was left Wednesday on the phone of staff member Dominic Rich. He says the call was following an email thread involving translation services for motor registration.
Members and advisers met Thursday morning to speak about the situation, and later released the recording of Trimper’s conversation Thursday afternoon.
Rich says the Innu Nation are surprised because of their good relationship with Trimper in the past.
He says they were shocked, disturbed and surprised that the comments were coming from a minister of the province.
Former Grand Chief Responds
Peter Penashue, a former MP and Grand Chief of the Innu Nation, wonders “Is this the attitude of government ministers when indigenous peoples are not in the room?” And, “how is the government going to deal with the situation.”
I heard the voice mail. It concerns me and here is the question I ask myself, "is this the attitude of government ministers when indigenous peoples are not in the room?" How is the government going to deal with this huge racial profiling of Innu ??? https://t.co/TmYlRwXnV0
— Peter Penashue (@PeterPenashue) September 12, 2019
Trimper was just sworn in last Friday as Environment Minister after serving a couple of years as Speaker.
