Turpel-Lafond returns honorary degree to another B.C. university after internal review
Another British Columbia university has taken back the honorary degree it bestowed on retired judge Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond after an investigation raised doubts about her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Royal Roads University announced Tuesday it accepted the return of the honorary doctorate of laws it awarded Turpel-Lafond in 2016.
"Royal Roads initiated a review process following public concerns raised over the degree," said the university in a statement.
"The university contacted Turpel-Lafond during the review process, which also included consultation with Indigenous and academic colleagues as well as engagement of the university’s advisory committee on honours and awards," the school added.
"Turpel-Lafond responded by voluntarily relinquishing the degree, and the Royal Roads board of governors has accordingly cancelled the degree."
Turpel-Lafond, who served as B.C.'s first representative for children and youth and who was selected as an independent investigator into anti-Indigenous racism in the province's health-care system, returned an honorary doctorate from Vancouver Island University last month.
The University of British Columbia, where Turpel-Lafond had been a tenured law professor, announced she no longer worked there as of Dec. 16.
"False claims of Indigenous ancestry cause harm to Indigenous peoples," said VIU president and vice-chancellor Deborah Saucier in a statement that noted the school would develop an identity policy to confirm Indigenous heritage going forward.
Royal Roads acknowledged the "harm caused to Indigenous people and communities by controversies such as these" on Tuesday and said it would similarly develop "policies and processes to support Indigenous students, faculty, and staff" in the future.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.