The Conservative Party is distancing itself from one of its board members due to controversial social media remarks following a fatal shooting incident involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis. Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan condemned the online comments made by Patrick Allard, labeling them as offensive and unacceptable. Khan emphasized that there is no place for hate speech within the party and announced that Allard will not be a candidate in the upcoming election.
Following an emergency meeting, the party unanimously decided to suspend Allard’s party membership and remove him from his board position. The move was prompted by Allard’s social media posts, including one where he inquired about job opportunities with ICE in Manitoba amidst protests following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew expressed solidarity with Minnesota and criticized the insensitive remarks, stressing the party’s stance against hate and division. Allard, previously fined for opposing COVID-19 restrictions, has been involved in various political races but faced backlash for his recent comments. Despite the suspension, Allard defended his post as a lighthearted joke, criticizing the party’s decision and hinting at running in the next election independently or with another party.