Alan Lagimodiere facts for kids

Alan Dean Lagimodiere is a Canadian politician from the province of Manitoba. He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (MLA) for the area of Selkirk. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a veterinarian and owned hotels. After being elected for a second time, he was named the Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations. However, he faced criticism for comments he made about the Canadian residential school system.

Early Life and Education

Alan Lagimodiere was born and grew up in The Pas, a community in Northern Manitoba. He is a Métis person and a member of Manitoba's Métis Nation. The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people in Canada with a unique culture and history.

He studied at the University of Manitoba, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture. Later, he continued his studies at the University of Saskatchewan. There, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

Business Career

Mr. Lagimodiere started his career in Selkirk, Manitoba. He worked as a veterinarian, caring for animals. He also became a businessperson, co-owning a group of hotels in the area.

He was a member of several professional groups. These included the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association. He was also part of the Manitoba Hotel Association because of his work in the hotel business.

Political Journey

Alan Lagimodiere was elected as an MLA for the area of Selkirk. This happened in the 2016 provincial election. An MLA is a person elected to represent their community in the provincial government.

He ran as a member of the Progressive Conservative party. In the 2016 election, he won against the long-serving MLA, Greg Dewar. Mr. Lagimodiere was re-elected in the 2019 provincial election.

In 2021, he was given an important role. He was appointed as the Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations. This job involves working with Indigenous communities and addressing historical issues.

Comments on Residential Schools

Soon after becoming the Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations, Mr. Lagimodiere made some comments. These comments were about the Canadian residential school system. This system was a network of schools that Indigenous children were forced to attend. These schools caused great harm and suffering to Indigenous children and their families.

Many people, especially Indigenous leaders, strongly disagreed with his comments. They felt his statements were hurtful and did not recognize the deep pain caused by residential schools. For example, the leader of the New Democratic Party, Wab Kinew, spoke out. He explained that the schools were designed to remove Indigenous culture from children.

The President of the Manitoba Métis Federation, David Chartrand, also expressed his disappointment. He said that Mr. Lagimodiere's views were very different from what the Métis people believe.

Mr. Lagimodiere later said his comments were misunderstood. He chose not to apologize for what he had said. In response, Chief Sheldon Kent of Black River First Nation stated that the minister's comments were harmful. He said they caused anger among Indigenous people. Chief Kent also called for Mr. Lagimodiere to resign from his position.

Family Life

Alan Lagimodiere is married to his wife, Judy Lagimodiere. They have four children together.

See Also

• List of members of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba