Lawyer for Boushie family criticizes Manitoba MLA who called Gerald Stanley ‘a victim’

An MLA in Manitoba is facing criticism for comments made about the Saskatchewan farmer who killed Colten Boushie. Laura Woodward reports.

A Manitoba MLA is facing criticism for comments he made about the Saskatchewan farmer who killed Colten Boushie.

During a recent debate about the right to defend their homes, Progressive Conservative MLA Josh Guenter said Gerald Stanley — the man acquitted in Boushie’s death — was “the victim.”

“The farmer was the victim and he was acquitted. This is for the minister of families, he was acquitted by a jury,” Guenter said.

Boushie, a 22-year-old Cree man, was shot and killed on Stanley’s farm near Biggar in 2016.

Stanley was acquitted of second-degree murder after testifying that he thought Boushie and others were on his property to steal vehicles and that the gun went off accidentally.

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Speaking on behalf of the family, lawyer Chris Murphy says Boushie was the real victim.

“It’s important to note that Gerald Stanley, at his trial, never once raised self-defence. Never once raised the defence of his family members. So for Mr. Guenter to conflate these two issues is just disingenuous, frankly. They have nothing to do with each other,” Murphy said.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called the comments hateful and divisive. He is urging Guenter to reach out to the Boushie family and apologize.

But Guenter says he won’t.

He defended his remarks, saying people have a right to protect their family and property if they feel threatened.

And when asked whether he considers Colten Boushie a victim, Guenter did not directly answer.

“It’s a tragedy and our hearts go out to all those impacted,” Guenter said.