The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is calling on Conservative candidate Bob Zimmer to resign over controversial remarks on missing and murdered aboriginal women.
In a release, the UBCIC called Zimmer's comments "derogatory," as well as "blatantly sexist and racist."
Zimmer was campaigning in Mackenzie on Friday and was not immediately available for comment.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip said his organization has received calls from people concerned about the comments, which came in response to a question on missing and murdered aboriginal women at an Alaska Highway News debate in Fort St. John Tuesday.
"They found the comments to be very sexist, very offensive, and demanded we put out a statement," he told Alaska Highway News.
Zimmer said he would support an inquiry on missing and murdered women if he believed it "would save one life." However, he said he believes the issue has been studied enough.
"I think the key is that we respond to it," he said Tuesday.
"One of the major drivers of missing and murdered aboriginal women is lack of economic activity or simply put, a lack of a job," adding that his government is working to bring economic opportunity to reserves.
"Ultimately, when people have a job they're not in despair and they can stay on reserve and that's where we want them to be, we want them to be happy where they live and go from there with their families."
Kathi Dickie, the NDP candidate and a former Fort Nelson First Nation chief, said she was "flabbergasted" by the remarks at Tuesday's debate.
"Almost 1,200 women murdered because they didn't have a job? And they wouldn't stay on reserve?" she said.
While some said Zimmer's comments appeared to blame aboriginal women and suggest they remain on reserve, the conservative incumbent said his remarks were taken out of context and that he was referring to promoting economic activity.
