Fascism: “A system of government marked by the centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, and violent suppression of opposition,” as well as “oppressive, dictatorial control.”
Recent news reports about statements made by Marina Sapozhnikov—the BC Conservative MLA candidate for Juan de Fuca—have sparked a wave of controversy. Sapozhnikov, an immigrant with a Russian/Ukrainian background, reportedly made these statements during what she believed and was told, was to be an informal, off-the-record conversation with Alena (Alyona) Latsinnik, a Vancouver Island University (VIU) student and brand ambassador for Karma Casting.
The Vancouver Sun reported on the conversation just as Sapozhnikov’s race, one of the tightest in BC, was nearing its final count. Only a brief segment of the discussion, in which Sapozhnikov made remarks considered by some to be insensitive, was published, and some parts originally released can not even be found again, which is leading to splicing speculations. Latsinnik had approached Sapozhnikov for an interview, but Marina, citing exhaustion, agreed only to an informal chat. Feeling a small ethnic connection with Alena, she spoke openly and almost paternally, for about an hour, during which she commented on perceived failings in the school system. Alena then shifted the conversation to her Indigenous studies program, to which Marina expressed concern that certain aspects of Indigenous studies might, in her view, present a selective version of history. However, only a small portion of her comments were later publicized—allegedly encouraged by Alena’s professor to be sent to The Vancouver Sun. It is unclear if any payment was made to Alena or her professor for this hour-long recording of the conversation.
Marina has publicly stated that when she first moved to the country, she was unfamiliar with Indigenous history and culture. Alena likely understood Marina’s limited knowledge, as she did not inquire about any specific party policies or delve into politics but rather guided the conversation in a particular direction. Sapozhnikov, for whom English is a third language, used the word “savage” in reference to Indigenous people when describing the time of European contact. She has stated that she would not have used the word “savage,” even in private, had she known its impact and how the word was perceived in the West. From the context provided, it seems Marina’s intent was to highlight that Indigenous people at that time were technologically and industrially less advanced than some other civilizations, such as China, Spain, and Greece—and might not necessarily have a history that gives them more expertise or authority over government matters and decisions than other citizens in BC, (as they are being given currently under UNDRIP)—a growing sentiment in the Province.
Being called “racist” is a fear so many good-hearted people have, as certainly would a woman who has treated patients from all walks of life in her nearly 40-year professional career as a doctor. So it is not surprising that freelance writer Erin Blondeau, associated with the Canada Anti-Hate Network (a government-funded organization), wrote an article on Marina critiquing Sapozhnikov’s comments as fundamentally misrepresenting history. Blondeau argued that the BC Conservative Party’s stance against teaching content that might induce “guilt based on ethnicity” aligns with extremist views. However, critics of the Indigenous curriculum requirements argue that mandating Indigenous studies for graduation may create guilt among students and will, most likely, inadvertently foster division.
Blondeau, who has previously criticized and written articles about local candidates in the 2022 municipal and School Board elections whom she viewed as being aligned with the “freedom” movement, often labels such individuals as proponents of “fascism.” Some argue, however, that this label more accurately applies to centralized authority as exercised by the government and schools today—institutions with which Blondeau often aligns. For instance, during COVID-19, those who opposed the government’s narrative were often ostracized from society, friends, and family, barred from travel, had bank accounts shut down, and lost jobs for not aligning with the government. Similarly, the school system’s SOGI curriculum, seen by some as an overreach, often presumes to know better than parents on issues affecting children—a program that Blondeau supports publicly. An example of suppression of speech was seen by her group, Revolve Cowichan, which allegedly attempted to shut down free speech when a few women came to speak about women’s rights at the local community center this past year.
Blondeau also framed Sapozhnikov’s attendance at the “We Unify” conference as far-right activism, although this event has drawn thousands of attendees from many diverse backgrounds both ethnically, as well as professionally, including doctors like Marina. Blondeau’s branding of “Freedom Convoy” supporters as “fascists” contrasts sharply with how authorities treated these peaceful protesters, who faced the full boot-to-the-neck from the government when they were attacked with rubber bullets, pepper spray, and batons, while other movements, like BLM and LGBTQ+ rights protests, often encountered little resistance from law enforcement. This double standard suggests selective tolerance aligned with government-approved narratives and fascist dictatorship-based repercussions for those who do not walk in lock-step with the current narrative.
Additionally, Blondeau’s article inaccurately portrays Sapozhnikov as promoting a conspiracy theory that Indigenous groups are part of a global plot to undermine individual freedoms. This interpretation overlooks the fact that Sapozhnikov’s comments focused on global institutions—such as the United Nations, which established frameworks like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)—and their influence on national policy. Sapozhnikov’s critique centers on the role of such organizations in shaping domestic policy, rather than attributing any agenda to Indigenous people themselves. Blondeau’s portrayal oversimplifies Sapozhnikov’s views by aligning them with “ultranationalism” without addressing the genuine debate over global influence on local educational content.
Another person, Kristi, who is co-creator with Blondeau of the local group called Revolve Cowichan, and SD79 employee, has posted on her public FB page: “F*ck around and find out” speaking about her purportedly celebrating Marina possibly losing her doctors license – “looks like disgraced conservative MLA hopeful, Marina Sapozhnikov, may not be practicing again in BC”. They come for blood, and no apology will ever satisfy their thirst to cancel.
Final thoughts – If all your views align with those of the government, and you have the subsidized media on your side, you are not the resistance; you are foot soldiers of fascism, ensuring that those with opposing views are cancelled, ostracized, silenced, and removed from society and their jobs. Pretending to fight against the establishment while having the full weight of the law on your side does not make you a revolutionary; it makes you a propaganda tool for the establishment. Feeling empowered by standing up for groups you do not even belong to comes across as a superiority complex and in fact racist. But the tides are turning, as we have seen in the BC election, and though many people are still scared of this type of cancel culture backlash meant intentionally to smear a person’s reputation and destroy their lives, many are becoming bolder. People are becoming more apt to speak their feelings, as the name-calling and hate from the ‘tolerant and inclusive’ mob slowly lose their collective strength.
Nicole R.
