MP Joyce Murray, First Nations paper apologize for offensive ad
Vancouver Member of Parliament Joyce Murray is apologizing this week after taking out an offensively worded ad in a newspaper, however the paper has taken full responsibility for the mistake.
The ad in question celebrates 2014 Aboriginal high school graduates, but goes on to remind them that “sobriety, education and hard work lead to success.”
Why is #sobriety the first advice4 #indigenous #grads #racistmuch @OkanaganBand ad Jun/15 Issue of #firstnationsdrum pic.twitter.com/BQil7qnKDg
— Jacqui Gingras (@jacquigingras) July 15, 2015
The newspaper admits responsibility for the ad and says that Murray did not see or approve it before it went to print. Murray tweeted Wednesday afternoon that she did not know about the ad, printed in the First Nations Drum paper.
I was not aware of this ad & did not approve content. However, I assume full responsibility & offer my most sincere apologies.
— Joyce Murray 梅麗喬 (@joycemurray) July 15, 2015
The image of the ad was publicized by North Okanagan-Shuswap Federal NDP candidate Jacqui Gingras and immediately caught the attention of many online who were surprised by the text.
According to CTV News, the ad was written by a junior staffer who has now been let go by the paper. First Nations Drum will reprint the ad with appropriate wording and issue a formal apology in the next issue.