North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater called for reconciliation at the opening of Monday’s council meeting in the wake of the not guilty verdict in the Gerald Stanley murder trial in Battleford.
In brief remarks made at the start of Monday’s meeting, Bater did not comment directly on the verdict itself.
Rather, his thoughts were directed at those impacted by the events of Aug. 9, 2016. The mayor also pledged to continue the city’s reconciliation efforts with First Nations.
His comments in full are as follows:
“Our thoughts are with all of those affected by the tragedy that occurred in the summer of 2016, and all of those that were involved in the trial process and their families.”
“We also condemn any offensive, divisive or hurtful behaviour in all of its forms. Our community has a strong history of partnership and working together with our regional partners. Efforts of reconciliation were important to us before the events of this weekend, and they are important today, and we’re going to continue down that path.”
