MLA rephrases himself after suggesting driver in crash may be foreigner, eligible for deportation

A Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Manitoba is facing backlash after making controversial remarks about the driver involved in a fatal highway crash. Josh Guenter, the Progressive Conservative MLA for Borderland, linked the 25-year-old driver's role in the crash to "cheap foreign" labor in the trucking industry, stating that if the driver was not a Canadian citizen, he should be deported.

The crash occurred west of Altona when the driver, who was traveling eastbound on Highway 201, failed to stop at an intersection and collided with a southbound SUV. The two occupants of the SUV, Sara Unger, 35, and her daughter Alexa, 8, were killed. The RCMP has not charged the driver yet and has only disclosed that he resides in Brampton, Ontario.

Guenter made his remarks shortly after the crash was reported, expressing outrage over the driver's actions and suggesting the driver’s residency in Brampton was relevant. He went on to call for a crackdown on what he described as "cheap foreign labor" in the trucking industry and at truck driving schools. "If he is not a Canadian citizen, I hope he is deported," Guenter wrote.

Guenter also drew comparisons to the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan, referencing the deportation order given to the driver involved in that incident. Additionally, he recalled an event from the previous year where he witnessed a "foreign truck driver" fail to stop for a school bus.

While some commenters on his post supported his views, others accused him of fueling racism and creating fear. One critic, Lori Dueck, expressed concern that the MLA's response lacked compassion, especially in the aftermath of a tragedy. She also questioned his focus on blaming individuals instead of advocating for better safety measures.

In response to the backlash, Guenter posted again on Facebook, acknowledging the feedback he received and clarifying that his intention was to focus on road safety and accountability. "My intention was never to target individuals, but to focus our attention on the serious issue of road safety," he explained. He also expressed sympathy for both the family of the victims and the driver involved, stating that the driver would "carry the weight of this devastating incident for the rest of their life."

Critics like Janna Wiebe, a resident of Gretna, criticized Guenter’s original remarks as inappropriate and suggested that he focus on improving safety at the intersection where the crash occurred. Wiebe emphasized the need for traffic lights to prevent further accidents, noting that the intersection has been a longstanding safety concern. Local officials, including Don Wiebe, the reeve of the RM of Rhineland, have indicated that traffic safety will be discussed at the next council meeting.

By Monday, Guenter's updated comments seemed to acknowledge the importance of focusing on road safety and the need for better driver training to prevent future tragedies, while expressing his condolences for those affected by the crash.