Sask. Premier Scott Moe welcomes 'difficult discussions' on racism following Gerald Stanley verdict

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the province has "difficult discussions" ahead on racism, rural crime, andthe justice system following the acquittal of a farmer charged with murdering a Cree man.

The premier was speaking at a news conference Monday after a jury on Friday found Gerald Stanley, 56, not guilty of second-degree murder in the death ofColten Boushie, 22.

Boushie was shot in the head after an altercation between Stanley, his son and his wife. During the trial, Stanley testified he never meant to kill anyone and the handgun he was holding accidentally went off.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe speaks following the Gerald Stanley case.

6 years ago

Duration 0:32

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says 'difficult discussions' on racism, crime and the justice system are needed.On Friday, a jury in North Battleford found Stanley not guilty. Boushie's family has raised concerns that there were no visibly Indigeneous people on the jury (CBC has no way of independently determining whether any of the jurors have Indigenous backgrounds).

The jury's verdict touched off a series of rallies across Canada about what many see as systematic racism within the justice system and called for change.

'We will find a way forward'

Moe would not address the verdict in Stanley case, but said he's met members of Boushie's family and hearsthe concerns that they have with the justice system.

"I listened," he said. "The minister of justice and I sat with them for a few hours and we listened to them about their experience over the last year and a half. It was a good meeting and I was fortunate to be invited to it."

"These are difficult discussions for us to have, whether it's on racism, or crime. This is a challenge," Moe said. "I can commit to the people of Saskatchewan that we will have those discussions."

"It won't be easy, it won't be done quickly, but we will find a way forward," he said. "We will find a way forward."

'No place' for racism, Moe says

As to concerns about the justice system, Moe said he's heard from people online and in-person from people who believe it does not treat Indigenous people fairly. Generally, the justice system works, but there is room for change, Moe said.

"It is fair for us, as a society to have those conversations, to ensure the laws we have in this land also evolveas we move forward," Moe said.

Moe said he's open to having discussions on what the province can do toendthe practice ofperemptorychallenges, a practice thatBoushie's family says led to a jury stacked against them.

"We respect the decisions of the justice system and it's independence," he said. "But as we move forward it's incumbent on us as a government to have those very important, very challenging discussions with our Aboriginal community in the province, and all of our communities in the province."

Moe also discussed racist comments against Indigenous people that appeared on social media following the verdict.

"I've been made aware of a number of comments that are racist. There's no place for that in the province of Saskatchewan," he said. "This isn't an easy thing to talk about for anybody, but it's something we have to talk about."

The premier is expected to meet with the leadership of the FSIN and Tribal Council Chiefs from across Saskatchewan today.