Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Winnipeg New Democrat Incumbent Pat Martin Apologizes For Salty Language

The Canadian Press, 21 Sep, 2015 11:44 AM
    WINNIPEG — NDP incumbent Pat Martin has apologized for salty language on the campaign trail, although it's unclear which of his many recent remarks he is referencing.
     
    "Over the last few days, I have used some intemperate language that I regret," Martin, a longtime MP who is seeking re-election in Winnipeg-Centre, wrote in a statement on the weekend. 
     
    "I would like to offer an unreserved apology to my fellow candidates and to anyone else who may have taken offence to the tone and content of these remarks. I hope we can move past this and return to having a healthy discussion of the issues affecting Winnipeg-Centre voters."
     
    Martin called Green party candidate Don Woodstock a "son of a bitch" last week during a candidates debate. In a Huffington Post article published Saturday, Martin was quoted as saying Liberal candidate Robert-Falcon Ouellette is a "political slut" because he had considered running for different political parties before settling on the Liberals.
     
    Martin has represented the inner-city riding since 1997 and has a long history of speaking frankly. He stopped using Twitter after calling Conservatives "rat-faced whores."
     
    None of Martin's words appear to have hurt his popularity to date. He has won an increasing share of the vote in his riding in every election since 1997 and has doubled his nearest opponent in the last three contests.
     
    The Liberals, who finished a distant third in 2011 with 11 per cent of the vote, are working to convince people the race is close this time. They issued poll results that suggested the race has suddenly become neck-and-neck, although the poll was widely ignored by media because the Liberals did not say who conducted the poll and did not provide detailed data.
     
    The Liberals have also tried to capitalize on accusations Martin lives on Saltspring Island in British Columbia. Martin has a cottage there, but lives just south of downtown Winnipeg, some 150 metres from his riding. 
     
    Ouellette, who surprised many when as a political neophyte last year he finished a strong third in the Winnipeg mayoral race, lives in the southern suburbs of Winnipeg.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Quebec Makes It Easier For Transgender People To Legally Change Sex On Documents

    Quebec is making it easier for transgender people to legally change their sex on official documents.

    Quebec Makes It Easier For Transgender People To Legally Change Sex On Documents

    Rare Earth Miners Band Together For Survival In Pricing Downturn

    Rare Earth Miners Band Together For Survival In Pricing Downturn
    Experts say government support for research and development of Canada's rare earth elements has encouraged new co-operation in the usually dog-eat-dog world of junior mining companies.

    Rare Earth Miners Band Together For Survival In Pricing Downturn

    Victoria Mom Whose Son Was Abducted In 1991 Reminds Parents To Be Prepared

    Victoria Mom Whose Son Was Abducted In 1991 Reminds Parents To Be Prepared
    The Amber Alert issued for a two-year-old girl abducted in Alberta has a Victoria mother remembering her own son's disappearance and reminding parents to be prepared.

    Victoria Mom Whose Son Was Abducted In 1991 Reminds Parents To Be Prepared

    'The Vaulter', Bank Robber Sought For Years By Canada, Arrested In Geneva

    'The Vaulter', Bank Robber Sought For Years By Canada, Arrested In Geneva
    Geneva police have announced the arrest of the "most-wanted bank robber in Canada" — known for his technique of jumping over bank counters in his heists.

    'The Vaulter', Bank Robber Sought For Years By Canada, Arrested In Geneva

    Boy, 4, Dead After Being Hit By Car Driven By Off-Duty B.C. Mountie

    Boy, 4, Dead After Being Hit By Car Driven By Off-Duty B.C. Mountie
     A four-year-old boy in Penticton, B.C., has died after being struck by a car driven by an off-duty police officer.

    Boy, 4, Dead After Being Hit By Car Driven By Off-Duty B.C. Mountie

    CBC's Rex Murphy Retires Mic After 21 Years Of 'Friendly' National Radio

    CBC's Rex Murphy Retires Mic After 21 Years Of 'Friendly' National Radio
    The personable, yet fiery critic from Newfoundland remains proud of that 1998 decision as he bids farewell to listeners after 21 years as host of CBC's Cross Country Checkup.

    CBC's Rex Murphy Retires Mic After 21 Years Of 'Friendly' National Radio