Uncategorized

The minister apologizes

Lisa Raitt offers an apology for comments captured on the now infamous digital recorder

The minister apologizesJust back from the Hill where Lisa Raitt, appearing distraught and recalling the deaths of her father and brother, has offered her apology for comments captured on the now infamous digital recorder.

Video here.

Full text of her statement after the jump.

Thank you everyone. Today I want to personally communicate my deep regret for wording I used in a private discussion earlier this year which was inadvertently recorded. As somebody who has had in their personal life been deeply affected by cancer, my intent was certainly not to show any disrespect for cancer victims, survivors or their families. However, it’s clear that these remarks have been interpreted in that way. So I want to offer a clear apology to anyone who’s been offended by what I’ve said.

I want people to know that when I was 11 years old, I watched my father pass away from colon cancer over a period of 18 months. My mother and I and my brother took care of him until his final days. Twenty years later, I was in the room with my brother as he died from lung cancer. As you can see, it’s a very personal issue for me and it’s one that I really don’t take lightly.

With respect to the medical isotopes issue however, I will continue to work with Minister Aglukkaq and the international community to address the isotope shortage in Canada and around the world. Thank you.

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FILED UNDER: