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OTTAWA
An animated video containing what some are calling a racial slur towards Inuit was removed from the website of a Saskatchewan MP, and Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq says the issue is over.

Saskatchewan Conservative MP David Anderson, also the secretary for the Canadian Wheat Board, had posted on his website a cartoon video featuring a discussion between a fictional wheat board employee and a Saskatchewan farmer.

The farmer talks about selling wheat through alternative processes, contrary to the current system where it is sold to the board which then distributes it.

"Slow down young man, you are talking Eskimo," the employee tells the farmer. The phrase "you are talking Eskimo" crops up three times.

The video has since been removed from the website.

"This video was removed as soon as I became aware of the offending language," reads a statement by Anderson. "I apologize to anyone who was offended by the content of the video."

Aglukkaq considers the matter closed after personally speaking with Anderson.

She would not comment further.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Mary Simon denounced the "racist aboriginal slur" in the animated video on the website of the MP, stated an Oct. 24 press release.

"The comment is offensive to Inuit, has no place in public discussion and certainly no place on the website of an elected member of parliament," she stated.

A bill to get rid of the board's monopoly to market grain and wheat from western Canada has passed second reading in the House of Commons.

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