Edmonton Centre MP Randy Boissonnault’s Indigenous Identity Claims Spark Controversy and Resignation

By Mindi Soren

A political storm has engulfed Edmonton Centre MP Randy Boissonnault, culminating in his resignation from cabinet in November 2024 and his recent announcement that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming federal election. At the heart of the controversy are Boissonnault’s claims of Indigenous heritage, which have been called into question by Indigenous leaders, opposition MPs, and investigative reports, raising allegations of "pretendianism" and prompting broader discussions about identity fraud in Canadian politics.

A Shifting Narrative on Indigenous Identity

Randy Boissonnault, a Liberal MP first elected in 2015, has long positioned himself as an ally to Indigenous communities. However, his specific claims about his own heritage have shifted over time, drawing scrutiny. Boissonnault has described himself as a "non-status adopted Cree" person, asserting that his great-grandmother was a "full-blooded Cree woman." Following his 2015 election, the Liberal Party listed him as one of their Indigenous MPs, and he participated in the Liberal Indigenous caucus, which he described as an act of "allyship." These claims, however, began to unravel under closer examination.

A CBC News investigation revealed that census records identified Boissonnault’s great-grandmother as being of German descent, not Cree. When pressed on the issue, Boissonnault later clarified that his adoptive mother and brother are Métis, but during a December 2024 testimony before the House of Commons Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee, he explicitly stated, "I am not Indigenous." He also admitted that the term "non-status adopted Cree" was a phrase he had invented, apologizing for its lack of clarity and accuracy. This admission came after months of mounting pressure from Indigenous leaders and opposition MPs, who accused him of race-shifting for personal or political gain.

The Procurement Scandal: Indigenous-Owned Business Claims

The controversy deepened when it was revealed that Global Health Imports (GHI), a company Boissonnault co-founded in 2020, had claimed to be "Indigenous-owned" while bidding for federal contracts set aside for Indigenous businesses. These contracts, part of a government initiative to support Indigenous economic development, are highly competitive and reserved for businesses that meet strict ownership criteria. GHI’s bids were ultimately unsuccessful, but the claim of Indigenous ownership raised red flags.

NDP MP Blake Desjarlais, who is Métis, labeled Boissonnault a "pretendian," a term used to describe individuals who falsely claim Indigenous identity for personal benefit. Desjarlais argued that such actions harm Indigenous communities by diverting opportunities meant for them. Boissonnault has since distanced himself from GHI’s claims, blaming his former business partner, Stephen Anderson, for making the Indigenous ownership assertion without his consent. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism. Conservative MP Michael Barrett called Boissonnault’s defense "not credible," pointing to the MP’s history of identifying as Indigenous in political contexts as evidence of complicity.

Indigenous Leaders Demand Accountability

Indigenous leaders have been vocal in their criticism of Boissonnault’s actions. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak condemned the misuse of Indigenous identity, emphasizing the harm it causes to reconciliation efforts. NDP MP Lori Idlout, during the December 2024 committee hearing, pressed Boissonnault on which Cree nation his family belonged to—a question he was unable to answer, further undermining his earlier claims. Idlout and others have called for stricter verification processes to prevent similar incidents in the future, arguing that false claims of Indigenous identity erode trust and perpetuate systemic inequities.

Political Fallout and Resignation

The mounting pressure took a toll on Boissonnault’s political career. In November 2024, he resigned from his cabinet position as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, citing the need to address the controversy without distracting from the government’s agenda. On March 21, 2025, he announced that he would not run in the next federal election, effectively ending his tenure as Edmonton Centre’s MP.

Some Liberal MPs have come to Boissonnault’s defense. Jaime Battiste and Michael McLeod, both Indigenous MPs, stated that Boissonnault was always clear about his role in the Indigenous caucus as an ally rather than an Indigenous person. Boissonnault himself has maintained that he never claimed Indigenous status for personal benefits, such as securing procurement advantages, and has apologized for the confusion caused by his earlier statements. "I deeply regret any lack of clarity in how I described my family’s heritage," he said in a statement following his resignation.

A Broader Issue: Pretendianism in Canadian Politics

Boissonnault’s case is not an isolated incident. The phenomenon of "pretendianism"—where individuals falsely claim Indigenous identity for social, political, or economic gain—has become a growing concern in Canada. High-profile cases, such as that of author Joseph Boyden and academic Carrie Bourassa, have highlighted the need for better mechanisms to verify Indigenous identity, particularly in contexts where benefits or opportunities are tied to that identity.

For Indigenous communities, the stakes are high. Federal procurement programs, like the ones GHI attempted to access, are designed to address historical economic disparities faced by Indigenous peoples. When non-Indigenous individuals or businesses exploit these programs, it undermines their purpose and perpetuates harm. Desjarlais, reflecting on the broader implications, stated, "Every time someone falsely claims our identity, it takes away from our ability to heal and grow as a community."

Moving Forward: Calls for Reform

Boissonnault’s controversy has sparked renewed calls for reform in how Indigenous identity is verified in political and economic contexts. Some advocates propose the creation of a national registry or standardized verification process, while others argue that Indigenous nations themselves should have the authority to determine membership and eligibility for programs. The Liberal government has promised to review its procurement policies, but critics argue that more immediate action is needed to prevent future abuses.

For now, Boissonnault’s political career appears to have reached its end, but the questions raised by his case linger. As Canada continues to grapple with the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights, the issue of pretendianism serves as a stark reminder of the importance of truth, accountability, and respect for Indigenous identity. For Boissonnault, the fallout from his claims may serve as a cautionary tale for others in positions of power. For Indigenous communities, it is yet another chapter in the long struggle for recognition and justice.

Mindi Soren is a freelance journalist and writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at mindi.soren@veritasexpositae.com