Canadian men switched at birth receive apology after almost 70 years

Eddy Ambrose, right, and Richard Beauvais were switched at birth in a rural Manitoba hospital

Two Canadian men who were mistakenly switched at birth nearly 70 years ago have finally received a formal apology for the profound injustice they endured since their very first day on Earth.

Richard Beauvais and Eddy Ambrose, born on the same day at a Manitoba hospital in 1955, discovered the mix-up only last year when Mr. Beauvais took a DNA test, revealing his true Ukrainian and Jewish heritage, contrary to his belief of being Métis.

Wab Kinew, the Manitoba Premier, centre, apologises to Richard Beauvais, right, and Eddy Ambrose, left

Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba personally apologized to Mr. Beauvais and Mr. Ambrose, acknowledging the hospital's failure in Arborg, where the error occurred.

“What happened to you cannot be undone but it must be acknowledged and atoned for," Mr. Kinew stated during the apology, recognizing the lifelong impact of the mistake.

The lives of Mr. Beauvais and Mr. Ambrose intertwined even before their DNA revelation, as Mr. Ambrose unknowingly invited his biological sister to join his baseball team as a child.

Eddy Ambrose holds photos of his parents James and Katherine Ambrose, right, and his biological parents Yvette and Camille Beauvais, left

Mr. Beauvais, raised as Métis, faced further challenges after being separated from his family during the Sixties Scoop. Meanwhile, Mr. Ambrose, orphaned at 12, found his way to a farm and later discovered his Métis roots.

Following their identity revelations, Mr. Ambrose has reunited with his biological relatives and embraced his Métis heritage, while Mr. Beauvais plans to connect with his biological family.

Photos show Mr Beauvais as a young boy

Both men are seeking financial compensation through legal representation, acknowledging the immense impact of having their identities and life stories disrupted by the switch.