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Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit is apologizing for nominating a man for a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, saying he didn’t know the nominee was guilty of domestic abuse.
The medals are awarded to those who “have made a contribution to Canada, Saskatchewan, or to a particular region or community,” and the provincial government said a total of 7,000 of the awards are to be given out to “deserving citizens” around the province.
(Government of Saskatchewan)
In a statement issued Tuesday, Marit said he accepted ministry recommendations and put forward nominations for “individuals who have served in the agriculture industry” in 2022. Last week, he said he first learned of the legal circumstances of one particular nominee, which included a domestic violence charge and a guilty plea.
“As a result, this individual was immediately asked to return the medal and he has done so,” Marit explained in his statement.
“It is not appropriate for someone who is guilty of domestic abuse to receive a medal or an honour from the province.”
According to Global News, the nominee in question was Jim Wickett, formerly of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association.
Marit emphasized that he made the nomination without being aware of the circumstances, and “would never have nominated someone for such an honour had I known.”
The minister went on to issue an apology.
“I apologize to not only victims and survivors, but to all those who work every day to provide a future free of domestic abuse,” Marit said. “As a government, we remain committed to doing to that same work.”
This isn’t the only time in recent memory that the Government of Saskatchewan has come under fire for honouring those with criminal pasts.
In October of 2022, Premier Scott Moe issued an “unequivocal” apology after convicted murderer Colin Thatcher attended the Throne Speech in Regina following an invitation by MLA Lyle Stewart.
