Projet Montréal distances itself from councillor's ‘unacceptable' comments about Indigenous people
A Montreal borough councillor has resigned from Projet Montréal after making a disparaging comment about Indigenous people on social media.
Enrique Machado, a Venezuelan-born councillor representing Verdun's Champlain–Île-des-Sœurs district, came under fire after replying to a video posted on TikTok by Venezuelan influencer Sofia Saavedra, which showcased a new 3D advertisement screen in Caracas.
Machado 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 remark was widely condemned online, including by Saavedra herself. She posted a follow-up video on TikTok saying she has formally complained against Machado to the city council.
Machado has reportedly apologized on social media, but his Facebook account has since been deactivated.
In a statement to The Gazette, Projet Montréal spokesperson Arianne Beaupré called the remarks 'unacceptable' and said it did not reflect the party's values.
'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,' Beaupré said. 'Mr. Machado's comment contradicts the values of our party, our leader and the mayor.'
Machado was then summoned by the party, she said, after they became aware of the situation. He later chose to resign from the caucus and end his political career with Projet Montréal.
'We believe this is the right decision under the circumstances,' she said.
He will now sit as an independent for the remainder of his term.
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