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Doug Ford apologizes over 'hat in hand' comment about First Nations

Published Jun 19, 2025 at 11:38pm

The Canadian Press
By
The Canadian Press
Doug Ford apologizes over 'hat in hand' comment about First Nations

Protesters chant and wave flags during a demonstration outside the Ontario Legislature at Queen's Park in Toronto, Monday, June 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has apologized for saying First Nations should not keep coming "hat in hand" to the government if they say no to mining projects, a comment many First Nation leaders called racist.

Ford delivered that apology in a meeting at Queen's Park Thursday to several dozen chiefs who are part of the Anishinabek Nation.

"I get pretty passionate and I just want to sincerely apologize for my words, not only is it for all the chiefs in that room, but for all First Nations," Ford said as he spoke to Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige after the meeting.

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