Klein hints at legal action over media report on claimed Métis heritage

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This article was published 03/08/2023 (765 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On the final day before the pre-election blackout on new policy and funding announcements, an embattled cabinet minister was instead again fielding questions about his claim to Métis heritage.

Speaking to reporters during an unrelated news event Thursday, Tory MLA Kevin Klein hinted at possible legal action against the CBC, in response to a report it published Monday challenging his claims of Indigenous ancestry.

“At this time, because of the story that came out, I am in discussions with my legal counsel. We are going to refrain from all comments until we have determined what legal action we are going to take,” said Klein, minister for the environment and climate.

“We are pursuing many legal actions, and we will talk more about them as they become public.”

Klein, who has previously identified himself as a “proud Métis Canadian,” slammed the broadcaster for publishing what he called “false allegations,” including genealogical research and comments from his estranged brother, Christopher Rout.

The Manitoba Métis Federation has similarly disputed Klein’s claim to Indigenous heritage.

The rookie Kirkfield Park MLA (elected in a December 2022 byelection) and former Winnipeg city councillor has said he is a member of the Painted Feather Woodland Métis, a group not recognized by the MMF or Métis Nation of Ontario.

When asked whether he felt the issue would hold any influence over his campaign to maintain his seat in the Oct. 3 vote, Klein declined to comment.

The Tory minister is being challenged by New Democratic Party candidate Logan Oxenham and Manitoba Liberal Party candidate Rhonda Nichol.

Klein edged out Oxenham by a margin of 161 votes, and Nichol by 616, in December.

Neither candidate weighed in Thursday on whether the disputed Indigenous ancestry issue could play a role in the election.

“As far as Kevin Klein’s past, and what he’s claiming and not claiming, I think we should just let the voters decide where the truths lay,” Nichol said when reached by phone.

“I am so focused on the constituents… A lot of things that go on in the media, it’s white noise to me.”

Oxenham offered a similar response, saying addressing the Manitoba’s ailing health-care system is his primary concern.

“It’s disappointing that Kevin Klein won’t listen to the Manitoba Métis Federation on this important issue, because they’re the ones that determine citizenship and Métis identity and their position is clear,” Oxenham said.

“For months, I’ve been focused on working hard for the people of Kirkfield Park, knocking on doors and building relationships, so that we can fix the damage to the Grace Hospital caused by (Premier) Heather Stefanson’s cuts.”

On Thursday, Klein’s final announcements before the media blackout took hold included a $2-million grant program from Efficiency Manitoba which will help indoor ice rinks secure funding for lighting upgrades.

It aims to reduce energy consumption and increase savings for community rinks, particularly those in rural Manitoba and First Nations.

“Rinks and arenas serve as the social hub of many communities. However, many of them are operating on limited revenue streams and may not otherwise be able to benefit from energy-saving upgrades without additional financial support,” Klein said.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca