Saskatchewan Party candidate, David Buckingham, issued an apology after it was revealed that he used a racial slur in the government caucus office a year ago. Buckingham admitted to repeating a racially inappropriate word while retelling a story, acknowledging that it was wrong and should not have been said regardless of the context. He immediately apologized to caucus staff and his colleagues upon realizing his mistake. The Saskatchewan Party also condemned racism, stating that they do not tolerate any form of racism within the party, government, or caucus. Buckingham, who is seeking a third term in the legislature, has taken sensitivity training in response to the incident.
The apology from Buckingham came after his former caucus colleague, Randy Weekes, disclosed the story to reporters. Weekes revealed that a caucus staff member overheard Buckingham using a racial slur in reference to a Black person, causing the woman, who is Black, to feel traumatized. She reported Buckingham to human resources and later quit her position, with her responsibilities being downgraded. Weekes mentioned that the woman has been undergoing counseling through the church but has chosen not to speak publicly about the incident. Weekes, who is not running in the election, had previously spoken out against actions within the government caucus, such as accusing Jeremy Harrison of bringing a gun into the legislature years ago.
Weekes, who lost the Saskatchewan Party nomination for his constituency in 2020 and subsequently quit the party, has publicly stated his support for the NDP in the upcoming election. This comes after Weekes made headlines for his allegations against Harrison, which led to Harrison initially denying the claims before later admitting to bringing a gun into the building while on his way to go hunting. As a result, Harrison was removed as government house leader but retained his position in the cabinet. Weekes’ endorsement of the NDP reflects his dissatisfaction with the actions taken by the Saskatchewan Party caucus, further highlighting the internal conflicts within the party.
The incident involving Buckingham’s use of a racial slur underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing racism and discrimination within political institutions. Despite the apology and sensitivity training, the impact of such language on individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, cannot be overlooked. The resignation of the woman who heard the slur and the emotional toll it took on her serves as a reminder of the real-life consequences of racially insensitive behavior. Moving forward, there is a need for greater accountability and commitment to addressing systemic issues of racism within political parties and government institutions.
The public support of the NDP by Weekes, a former Saskatchewan Party member, signals a shift in allegiances and a growing disillusionment with the current leadership. By aligning himself with the opposition party, Weekes is signaling his disapproval of the handling of internal conflicts and allegations within the Saskatchewan Party caucus. This endorsement may also influence voters who are concerned about issues of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within political parties. It highlights the importance of holding elected officials and party members accountable for their actions and promoting a more inclusive and respectful political culture.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding David Buckingham’s use of a racial slur and Randy Weekes’ public support for the NDP in the upcoming election underscore the complexities of politics and the need for greater efforts to address racism and discrimination within political institutions. These incidents shed light on the internal conflicts and challenges faced within political parties, as well as the importance of fostering a more inclusive and respectful political environment. Moving forward, there is a call for increased accountability, transparency, and sensitivity towards issues of racism, in order to create a more equitable and just political system for all individuals.
