Northwestern Ontario Senator Lynn Beyak has apologized for posting racist letters on her website.
In the Canadian Senate Tuesday, Beyak said to members in the upper chamber that the letters were “ill-considered.”
“I want to apologize to Indigenous peoples, to the Senate and to my fellow senators, and to the Canadians we all represent for any hurt I have caused,” said Beyak.
“While my intent was never to hurt anyone, I see now that my actions did not have their desired effect, which was to promote open and constructive dialogue. Regretfully, my actions were unhelpful to the national conversation on this issue. Throughout this process, I have also come to more profoundly appreciate the importance of representing and upholding minority rights in Canada, which is central to our work as senators,” added Beyak.
Beyak says she also agrees with the recommendations of a Senate Ethics Committee and prepared to complete education and sensitivity training imposed against her.
Her apology comes as a new report from the Senate Ethics Committee considers suspend her for the second time because she had not fully complied with measures imposed last year.
Dryden city council is also looking at a resolution condemning her conduct and statements.
