Kinew Opposes Criminalizing Residential School Denialism

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says he does not support making residential school denialism a criminal offence, putting him at odds with a proposal from federal NDP MP Leah Gazan. Kinew said misinformation about residential schools should instead be addressed through education and greater public awareness.

Gazan’s private member’s bill would amend the Criminal Code to prohibit certain public statements that condone, deny, justify or minimize Canada’s residential school system. She first introduced the proposal in 2024 before it died with the 2025 federal election, and brought it forward again later that year. The current bill has received first reading but has not advanced to second reading.

Kinew has instead called for continued efforts to teach Canadians about residential schools, including greater education outside the classroom. He said keeping the history of residential schools in public memory is necessary to prevent the lessons of the system from being lost over time.