Two women have raised concerns over a CBC and APTN comedy series they allege involved deceitful prank interviews. Frances Widdowson and Lindsay Shepherd claim they were tricked into these interviews due to their criticisms of the narrative surrounding Canada’s residential schools, particularly regarding the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Widdowson described CBC’s involvement as “disgraceful.”
Details of the Prank Interviews
Widdowson and Shepherd allege that the comedy series titled Northland Tales targeted them. The show is described as an “unscripted, half-hour comedy” that employs pranks for social commentary, similar to shows like Borat and The Yes Men. According to the Indigenous Screen Office, which partially funded the series, it aims to highlight injustices against Indigenous peoples.
Incident with Widdowson
Widdowson recounted an experience where she was invited under false pretenses to discuss historical portrayals in a docuseries. During the interview, conducted in Vancouver, Widdowson experienced an unexpected disruption. Two men entered and dumped children’s shoes in front of her, escalating the tension. She later suspected that this was a set-up, designed to provoke her response.
Reactions from Widdowson
- Widdowson condemned the methods used in the prank, claiming they were aimed more at dissidents than at those in power.
- She stated that such tactics should not be funded by public money.
Shepherd’s Experience
Similarly, Lindsay Shepherd claimed that she too was deceived. Following a previous firing due to her views on a specific symbol related to residential schools, Shepherd found herself in a fabricated setup. She was approached by a production group with a fake identity to discuss her book, A Day with Sir John A.
Concerns Over Deceptive Practices
- Shepherd alleged that the group directed her through phony meetings and documents.
- She asserted that the intent was to discredit her and the historical figure of Sir John A. Macdonald.
Official Responses
Chuck Thompson, a CBC spokesperson, confirmed that Northland Tales is in early production, but emphasized that CBC News and APTN News had no prior knowledge of the show’s content. The Canadian Heritage department, which supervises the CBC, clarified its position on the controversy, stating they do not comment on unverified claims regarding specific productions.
Political Backlash
The incident has provoked criticism from conservative politicians. Questions have been raised as to why CBC is engaging in such prank-based projects using taxpayer funding.
- BC Conservative MP Aaron Gunn remarked that the interviews mirrored actions unbefitting a public broadcaster.
- Ontario MP Melissa Lantsman called for accountability from the Canadian Identity and Culture Minister.
The discussions surrounding the series reflect broader societal tensions over the narratives of Indigenous history in Canada. As the controversy unfolds, the implications of this comedic approach on serious historical matters remain to be seen.
