Former Member of Parliament Georgina Jolibois joins the Orange Shirt Society and Grand Chief Stewart Phillip in denouncing the “inappropriate use of Orange Shirt Day by organizers of the protest convoy.” said Jolibois in a news release.

Jolibois, who is also running for the provincial NDP in the Athabasca by-election says “I am expressing concern about the protest convoy using Orange Shirt Day in an inappropriate and corrupting manner, this day is dedicated to commemorating the survivors and victims of the devastating residential school system.”

Jolibois adds “Calling out students to walk out of schools to protest COVID-19 restrictions while wearing orange shirts erodes the spirit and intent of this important day – it is simply wrong and offensive.”

On February 10th, protest organizers declared Friday as an “orange shirt day” encouraging students to walk out of class in protest against COVID-19 restrictions in schools.

While Jolibois was an MP, she sponsored a private members bill that led to the creation of the Orange Shirt National Holiday.

The Athabasca by-election is set for Tuesday.