Yorkton Saskatchewan Party candidate Greg Ottenbreit has apologized for a remark he made this week at a candidates forum in Yorkton.
Ottenbreit’s remarks were made in response to a question about resource revenue sharing with First Nations.
The Saskatchewan Party does not support the concept.
Ottenbreit says he does not remember his exact words, but believes he said something like — “What I have been told my some of my First Nations friends is that sometimes when there are handouts or the money comes free and easy, it can be used for alcohol and drugs”.
He now says it was an “inappropriate” comment.
In a statement, Ottenbreit says: “I sincerely apologize for any pain my words have caused and ask forgiveness from anyone I have offended”.
Ottenbreit says his words were “poorly chosen”.
He also says drugs and alcohol are a challenge in every community, and not specific to First Nations — and that this issue has nothing to do with revenue sharing.