Scott Moe: racial slur said in caucus office was handled appropriately

Saskatchewan Party leader Scott Moe said the incident of a racial slur that came from Sask. Party candidate David Buckingham over a year ago was handled appropriately at the time.

Speaking about the incident to reporters on Wednesday, Moe said his initial thoughts were that it was “terrible.” He said the Sask. Party does not have room for derogatory comments to be made.

He explained certain procedures are put in place for these situations, which he ensured were followed after the incident.

Moe said Buckingham issued apologies and that he was required to undergo sensitivity training.

Sask. Party leader Scott Moe says the incident of a racial slur made in the government caucus office over a year ago was handled appropriately at the time. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)

When asked if he considered removing Buckingham as a candidate because of the incident, Moe replied the issue was dealt with by these caucus policies over a year ago.

Buckingham also stood by Moe as he addressed reporters.

“It was a really dumb mistake, something that is not OK,” he said.

Buckingham said he was reiterating what someone else had said when he was overheard saying the racial slur.

“One word- and it can change your life,” he said. “I’m very sorry to the people involved. I wish I could bring it back but I can’t.”

The situation came to light after Buckingham’s former caucus colleague Randy Weekes said a caucus staff member told him that she overheard Buckingham use the racial slur referencing a Black person.

Weekes, the Speaker at the last legislative sitting, had said the woman, who is Black, was traumatized and later quit her job.

pic.twitter.com/QTzauJnopo

— Randy Weekes (@randyweekes) October 9, 2024

Weekes is not running in the provincial election. Last year he lost the Saskatchewan Party nomination for his constituency of Kindersley-Biggar.

This is not the first time Weekes has been in the spotlight, he has also made allegations of bullying, guns, and harassment in the legislature.

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If re-elected, this would be Buckingham’s third term in the legislature. He has also served as the Saskatchewan Party government caucus chair. 

Buckingham said it’s been an honour to represent the Westview community he deeply respects for over eight years.

“I would hope they give me a fair chance to represent them,” he said, noting his goal is to make life better for people in Saskatchewan.

“I want this province to be thriving,” he said. “I want all of us to work together to do that.”

Moe said the Sask. Party has been dedicated to diversity and inclusion in its policies for over 15 years, ensuring that the work environment for its cabinet, caucus, and candidates is inclusive.

He further pointed towards the province’s immigration policies and said the Sask. Party is focusing on economic immigration for Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan’s Provincial election will be held on Oct. 28. 

-with files from Canadian Press