Saskatchewan Party candidate for nomination withdraws, apologizes for putting child in blackface
A former prospective Saskatchewan Party nominee has apologized for putting a student in blackface.
Meghan Mayer was running to be the Sask. Party nominee for the Prince Albert Carlton constituency. She withdrew from the race a week after announcing her candidacy.
"This decision came after recognizing my past actions and weighing the needs and sensibilities of the community," Mayer told CTV News in an emailed statement.
Mayer is the lead pastor of Embassy Church in Prince Albert. She used to work at Regent Academy — a private Christian school operated by Embassy Church. The school was shut down in 2024.
"In 2014, I directed a school play in which one of the actors was in blackface. At the time, I was not aware of the offensive and racist nature of blackface," Mayer wrote in the statement.
"I now recognize that darkening your face, due to its racist history, is always unacceptable. I deeply apologize to the actor involved for my ignorance of this issue and endeavour to continue to educate myself."
Lina Rigby, whose son was in the play, said she was shocked to see a child in blackface.
"There was an Indigenous student involved in the play that was made up in blackface. It was extremely racist and offensive," Rigby told CTV News.
"It makes me feel sick when I think about it."
Rigby's husband, Jeremy Rigby, made a complaint to the Ministry of Education and the video of the Christmas play was removed from YouTube.
"I couldn't believe it was real," Jeremy said.
"I was very concerned about how it was normalizing this behaviour for the kids. I think the fact that you had an auditorium full of adults who were laughing at this and thought it was hilarious, I found very disturbing."
The couple is calling for better background checks for potential politicians.
"I think the fact that there's literally a letter to the Ministry of Education sitting in the government archives somewhere detailing this racist experience that she created. It would have been pretty easy for them to discover it, so I think the process of background checks wasn't done," Jeremy said.
Patrick Bundrock, the executive director of the Sask. Party, said "background checks are done on all Saskatchewan Party candidates for nomination."
"As Meghan Mayer has decided not to seek a Saskatchewan Party nomination, the party has no further comment to make," Bundrock said.
Mayer was looking to replace Prince Albert Carlton's longtime MLA Joe Hargrave. After about eight years in the position, Hargrave announced he would not seek re-election in October.
"I am confident that stepping aside is the right choice at this time and I remain committed to serving the community in the future," Mayer said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW
NEW Affordability crisis could be reaching its peak in Canada, economist says
With Canada's annual inflation rate reaching the central bank's two per cent target, the country's affordability crisis could be peaking, according to an economist.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, goes back to work days after cancer treatment update
Catherine, Princess of Wales has held her first engagement since revealing that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment.
Ukrainian drones strike a large military depot in a Russian town northwest of Moscow
Ukrainian drones struck a large military depot in a town deep inside Russia overnight, causing a huge blaze and prompting the evacuation of some local residents, a Ukrainian official and Russian news reports said Wednesday.
How to prevent lung cancer, regardless of whether you smoke, according to a doctor
More people who have never touched a cigarette are getting lung cancer, but there are ways to prevent it, according to a doctor.
Bride's family speaks as West Vancouver woman sentenced for driving SUV into wedding party
Sixty-five-year-old Hong Xu, who drove her SUV into a crowd of people celebrating a wedding at her next-door neighbour's house in West Vancouver on Aug. 20, 2022, has been sentenced under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving without due care and attention.
This airport landing is so challenging only 50 pilots are qualified to do it
Bhutan's Paro International Airport (PBH) is widely considered one of the most technically difficult plane landings in the world. Maneuvering onto a short runway between two 18,000-foot peaks requires both technical knowledge and nerves of steel.
NEW
NEW Taylor Swift previously said she was uninspired to include politics in her music. Now, she's singing a different tune
In 2011, a young Taylor Swift said she was not inspired to sing about topics related to politics. Over a decade later, she's singing a different tune.
Two people charged in murder of Halifax teen; police believe remains have been found
Halifax Regional Police believe Devon Sinclair Marsman, who disappeared in 2022, was the victim of a homicide and two people have now been charged in his death.
Cabin pressure issue on Delta flight causes bloody ears and noses for passengers
Some Delta Air Lines passengers are recovering after a pressurization issue on a flight caused bloody noses and other issues, according to statements.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Regina
-
Suspect still at large following assault investigation in Yorkton: RCMP
Three suspects have been arrested, while one remains at large, following an assault in the city of Yorkton.
-
Tornado warning for parts of southwestern Sask. lifted
A tornado warning, which was issued for parts of southwestern Saskatchewan on Tuesday evening, has been lifted.
-
'Didn't meet our expectations': Tempers flare at Riders practice with team winless in 7
It was a heated day at practice for the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Tuesday as head coach Corey Mace had to address the team in a stern matter not once but twice resulting in him telling the group to, “Get off the f***ing field.”
Winnipeg
-
'Looks like a beach here': Manitoba communities soaked by heavy rain
Significant rain Tuesday morning has resulted in road closures and overland flooding in multiple Manitoba communities.
-
'It's disappointing': Kinew responds to ousted MLA's claims of toxic, dysfunctional government
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said an MLA ousted from his caucus this week was given a choice before he was shown the door.
-
Prosthetic leg, live goldfish among items left on Winnipeg buses
There's nothing average about some of the stuff that gets lost on the bus
Edmonton
-
'A matter of luck whether or not you make it out alive': Excessive speeders taunt police by posting crimes online
Whether you've been shaken awake by revving engines in the dead of night, or passed on the Anthony Henday like you're standing still, most Edmontonians have some experience with sports cars or motorcycles driving dangerously on city streets.
-
Alberta to boost spending on new K-12 school construction over next three years by $6.5B to $8.6B
Alberta's premier announced a plan Tuesday evening during a televised address her government will boost the amount of money being spent on new school construction over the next three years to $8.6 billion, an increase of $6.5 billion from what was originally promised in the 2024 budget.
-
Man in stolen truck charged in death of partner west of Edmonton: police
Edmonton Police Service found human remains after investigating a case regarding a missing woman.
Calgary
-
Calgary city council votes to wind down long-sought, long-troubled Green Line LRT project
Calgary city council has voted to end work on the first phase of its long-sought $6.2-billion Green Line light rail transit project at a cost of at least $2.1 billion.
-
Alberta to boost spending on new K-12 school construction over next three years by $6.5B to $8.6B
Alberta's premier announced a plan Tuesday evening during a televised address her government will boost the amount of money being spent on new school construction over the next three years to $8.6 billion, an increase of $6.5 billion from what was originally promised in the 2024 budget.
-
Rent, mortgage costs still concerning for Albertans despite cooling inflation
Canada’s annual inflation rate has reached the central bank’s two per cent target for August, but many consumers in Alberta are still feeling the pinch of high costs for shelter, rents and mortgages.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge sees spike in encampments, and in support referrals
The City of Lethbridge's encampment response team continues to see a rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness throughout the summer months.
-
2 Lethbridge youths arrested after fire at southeast business
Two 16-year-old boys have been charged with arson following a fire at a Lethbridge building earlier this month.
-
Lethbridge residents used 16 per cent less water this summer than last
The City of Lethbridge says water usage this summer was lower than expected.
Toronto
-
'It's ridiculous': Ontario man told to pay $1,000 to end water heater contract
An Ontario man was surprised to learn he would have to pay a $1,000 penalty to cancel his water heater rental. 'I was shocked that the penalty I had to pay was almost the cost of a brand new water heater,' James Alves, of Etobicoke, told CTV News Toronto.
-
Police warn of major delays after crash on DVP leaves woman seriously injured
Toronto police say there are major delays on the Don Valley Parkway near Bayview Avenue following a crash early Wednesday morning.
-
NEW
NEW Affordability crisis could be reaching its peak in Canada, economist says
With Canada's annual inflation rate reaching the central bank's two per cent target, the country's affordability crisis could be peaking, according to an economist.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING Ottawa City Council to debate restoring off-peak LRT service
Ottawa City Council meets Wednesday and a proposed motion to restore off-peak LRT service is on the agenda.
-
Trial underway for Ottawa man accused of murdering wife, injuring daughter
The trial of a man accused of stabbing his wife to death in an attack that also injured his daughter in Ottawa's west end in June 2021 is underway.
-
Baby Tkachuk: Sens captain Brady Tkachuk and wife Emma welcome newborn
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and his wife Emma have announced the birth of their child Ryder Keith Tkachuk.
Montreal
-
Black Lives Ruined: Black men asked to sign NDAs to settle racial profiling cases
Black men who are the victims of racial profiling and harassment by police forces in Quebec say they are being asked to sign non-disclosure agreements in order to receive their settlement cheques.
-
Quebecer wins big in historic $80M Lotto Max jackpot
A Quebecer is one of two people who won big in the record-breaking $80 million Lotto Max jackpot.
-
16 soldiers injured in accident at Valcartier military base in Quebec
More than a dozen soldiers were sent to hospital this afternoon after an accident at a military base in Quebec.
Vancouver
-
Bride's family speaks as West Vancouver woman sentenced for driving SUV into wedding party
Sixty-five-year-old Hong Xu, who drove her SUV into a crowd of people celebrating a wedding at her next-door neighbour's house in West Vancouver on Aug. 20, 2022, has been sentenced under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving without due care and attention.
-
NDP defends Surrey Memorial Hospital efforts after damning letter from doctors
The BC NDP government is on the defensive Tuesday after emergency room doctors at Surrey Memorial Hospital penned a damning call for a leadership change at Fraser Health.
-
Downtown Vancouver BIA launches public safety campaign ahead of B.C. election
The business association for the downtown core is calling on parties running candidates in the upcoming provincial election to lay out their visions for improving public safety in Vancouver.
Kelowna
-
Pregnant pit bull with 10 puppies rescued from rat-infested B.C. home
Animal protection officers in British Columbia have rescued three pit bulls – including one that gave birth to 10 puppies – from a rat-infested home in Kelowna.
-
Son charged with B.C. woman's murder: RCMP
More than a year after a missing Kamloops, B.C., woman’s body was found, her son has been arrested and charged with her murder, Mounties announced Friday.
-
Woman stabbed during daylight Kelowna home invasion: RCMP
A woman suffered life-threatening injuries after being stabbed during a home invasion in Kelowna, according to authorities.
Vancouver Island
-
'Certainly a wake-up call': B.C. police remind residents to lock their doors after family robbed
Mounties on Vancouver Island are warning people to lock their doors after a Nanaimo-area family was robbed of a high-end vehicle, cash, a computer and other merchandise while they slept.
-
Canucks' Dakota Joshua reveals he is recovering from cancer
Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua revealed Tuesday he underwent cancer treatment over the summer, and will not be ready to play when the team's training camp begins later this week.
-
B.C. forest watchdog says province should improve watershed management
British Columbia's forests watchdog says a complaint about "excessive" logging has led to a call for the province to improve how it manages watersheds.
London
-
BREAKINGBREAKING UNIFOR and GM reach tentative deal in Ingersoll
A tentative agreement has been reached between Unifor and workers at CAMi Assemby in Ingersoll. Details of the tentative agreement will be released to union members first at a ratification meeting scheduled to take place Sunday.
-
Pets stolen in break and enter returned to owner
South Bruce OPP were able to reunite an owner and their pets after they were taken from their home.
-
London poised to increase hotel tax to fund more tourism initiatives
London might soon increase the municipal tax charged on each night spent in a hotel room or short-term accommodation (Airbnb, Bed & Breakfasts, etc.).
Kitchener
-
The Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo has passed away
The man, who walked Kitchener, Ont. streets for more than three decades dressed up as the King of Rock and Roll, has died.
-
Shots fired at a home in Woodstock, multiple bullet holes found
Police are looking for the person who fired multiple gunshots into a Woodstock home on Monday afternoon.
-
NEW
NEW Affordability crisis could be reaching its peak in Canada, economist says
With Canada's annual inflation rate reaching the central bank's two per cent target, the country's affordability crisis could be peaking, according to an economist.
Northern Ontario
-
One person dead following North Bay industrial incident
North Bay Police say one person has died following an industrial accident at the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Rail Yard on Tuesday.
-
GoFundMe cancels fundraiser for Ontario woman charged with spraying neighbour with a water gun
A Simcoe, Ont., woman charged with assault with a weapon after accidentally spraying her neighbour with a water gun says GoFundMe has now pulled the plug on her online fundraiser.
-
'Say it to my face': Singh confronts heckling protester on Parliament Hill
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh confronted a protester for calling him a 'corrupted bastard' on Parliament Hill on Tuesday.
Atlantic
-
Expert says warm September in Maritimes could cause higher aggression in bees and wasps
Experts say the higher Maritime temperatures make wasps and hornets more territorial and aggressive in the late summer.
-
Check your ticket: Lotto Max ticket worth $1M sold in New Brunswick
Someone in New Brunswick has a million reasons to smile, according to Atlantic Lottery.
-
Why it's 'very hard' to find work in Canada
Vacancies have steadily fallen since the glut of nearly one million open posts in 2022. At the time, one in three businesses had trouble hiring staff due to a labour shortage. Since then, vacancies have dropped.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador monitoring rise in whooping cough cases: medical officer
Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer is monitoring the rise of whooping cough infections across the province as cases of the highly contagious disease continue to grow across Canada.
-
Dispute over unrecognized Inuit group halts major conference for Canadian North
A 16-year-old biennial event aimed at fostering business in the country's eastern Arctic and northern regions has been cancelled indefinitely as a dispute unfolds between Inuit in Canada and a Labrador group claiming to share their heritage.
-
Cow cuddling: Why a Newfoundland farm is offering quality time with these 'gentle creatures'
Jim Lester’s farm hopped on the cow-cuddling trend in early August, and his time slots have been pretty well sold out ever since.
