Premier Brad Wall has made a statement on the controversy surrounding the shooting death of Colten Boushie near Biggar last week.
The accused, Gerald Stanley, has since been charged with second-degree murder in the case. He is accused of shooting Boushie, a member of Red Pheasant First Nation who was a passenger in a car that ended up on his property. The car had suffered a flat tire, according to reports from witnesses at the scene.
Boushie's death has prompted outrage by the aboriginal community who have called the shooting a hate crime. It also been much-commented on social media with the RCMP expressing concern about the remarks being posted. The FSIN has also been publicly critical of the RCMP for its handling of communications in the case.
On Sunday afternoon, Premier Wall shared his thoughts on the whole situation and posted his statement at his Facebook account. He expressed particular concern about the racist tone of the comments on social media. His statement reads as follows.
"In the wake of a shooting near Biggar, there have been racist and hate-filled comments on social media and other forums.
"This must stop. These comments are not only unacceptable, intolerant and a betrayal of the very values and character of Saskatchewan, they are dangerous. There are laws that protect citizens from what this kind of hate may foment. They will be enforced.
"I also have every confidence that the circumstances of Colten Boushie's death will be fully investigated by the RCMP and that the appropriate charges will be laid and prosecuted, based on the evidence. None of us should be jumping to any conclusions about what happened. We should trust the RCMP to do their work.
"I call on Saskatchewan people to rise above intolerance, to be our best and to be the kind of neighbors and fellow citizens we are reputed to be."
