Saskatchewan’s education minister has apologized in the legislature for rhetorically asking if he should give up his first-born child when speaking to a mother whose daughter had died.
Jeremy Cockrill says he used a poor choice of words in the private meeting with Taya Thomas about teachers wanting more supports for students with extra needs.
Get breaking National news
The woman’s daughter, 13-year-old Mayelle, died last year after dealing with multiple medical conditions.
She had seizures and used a wheelchair.
Her mother says the girl was not able to attend high school, because there was no room for her in a specialized program.
Thomas says when she met the minister this week to discuss negotiations with the teachers’ union, he asked her, “What do they want me to do? Give up my first-born child?”
Cockrill says he’s human and he knew he made a mistake the moment the words came out of his mouth.
Thomas says the minister’s comment was careless.
- Much of Canada faces extreme cold, heavy snow in latest winter blast
- 3 in 10 Albertans would vote for independence — but only half committed to separating: poll
- Pimicikamak Cree Nation to evacuate 79 more homes after military assessment
- China’s envoy says Beijing, Ottawa ‘eye to eye’ on supporting Greenland
-
![]()
Carney responds to Trump’s 100% tariff threat, says China deal consistent with CUSMA -
![]()
‘We’re not for sale’: Greenlanders skeptical as Trump touts ‘total access’ to Danish territory -
![]()
Autopsy reveals dingoes not likely to have killed Canadian found dead on Australian beach -
![]()
Business Matters: Thousands of federal government workers receive layoff notices
Comments