Uproar sparked by Iris Evans’ remarks on proper parenting inspired the finance minister to clarify Thursday, though she did not apologize.
In a speech on Alberta’s economy to the Economic Club of Canada Wednesday, Evans made mention of children’s financial understanding and parenting.
“They’ve understood perfectly well that when you’re raising children, you don’t both go off to work and leave them for somebody else to raise,” she said Wednesday. “This is not a statement against daycare. It’s a statement about their belief in the importance of raising children properly.”
Evans declined media interviews, but prepared a statement.
“I understand some people were offended by some of what I said. I did not intend to suggest there is only one way to raise a child,” Evans said in the statement released Thursday.
She claimed the original remarks were aimed at understanding money and finance “starts at home, not in schools,” and that her comments were a personal reflection on her experience raising three sons.
She added that she’s worked for most of her life while raising children, and realizes every family unit and situation is unique, while crediting parents who are forced to make difficult decisions.
The Alberta Liberals, outraged at Evans’ comments, called for her resignation, claiming her clarification was “half-hearted.”
“It’s not particularly strong,” said Alberta Liberals spokesman Michael Spears. “She isn’t truly sorry for what she said.”
