Verdun councillor resigns from party after disparaging comments about Indigenous people

Former Projet Montreal councillor Enrique Machado is now sitting as an independent. (Projet Montreal)

A Verdun borough councillor has resigned from Projet Montréal after making disparaging comments about Indigenous people on social media.

Enrique Machado, who represents the Champlain–Île-des-Sœurs district and is originally from Venezuela, made the remarks under a post by Venezuelan influencer Sofia Saavedra, which praised a new 3D advertisement screen installed in Caracas.

In the comment, he wrote in Spanish: “Seriously? Are you surprised by this? Hahaha. Venezuelans are like Indigenous people, give them mirrors and little shiny things and they’ll be amazed.”

The comment drew swift backlash from Saavedra and others on social media.

In a statement, Projet Montréal called the remarks “unacceptable.”

“The values of inclusion, respect, and the need to actively contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples are at the heart of the principles that guide Projet Montréal’s mission. Mr. Machado’s comments are contrary to the values of our party, our leader, and the mayor,” the party said.

Following the backlash, Machado withdrew his candidacy in the upcoming municipal election.

He had been part of the team supporting Verdun borough mayoral candidate Céline-Audrey Beauregard.

“After reflection, Mr. Machado informed us of his decision to withdraw from the Projet Montréal caucus and not to seek re-election for another term. We believe this is the right decision under the circumstances,” the party wrote.

According to reports, Machado later apologized on Facebook.

However, his account has since been deactivated, and his X profile has been made private.

Machado is serving his first and only term as a municipal councillor.

He is expected to remain in office as an independent until Nov. 2.