After skipping several questions regarding the "climate Barbie" tweet by one of his Members of Parliment, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer has issued a statement condemning the comment.
In a now deleted Tweet, Conservative MP Gerry Ritz labeled Environment Minister Catherine McKenna a “climate Barbie,” in a comment that has faced harsh criticism.
“As a father of three daughters, I want to ensure that gender-based stereotypes have no place in Canada or Canadian politics,” Scheer said in a statement to the Toronto Star on Wednesday.
“The demeaning words used by the member were inappropriate and he has rightly apologized,” he said.
Canada's Environment Minister McKenna responded to the comments with this Tweet Tuesday evening:
Do you use that sexist language about your daughter, mother, sister? We need more women in politics. Your sexist comments won't stop us. https://t.co/WVMnm7EyEY
— Catherine McKenna (@cathmckenna) September 20, 2017
Scheer's statement went on to say that he would contact McKenna “so I can assure the minister that this type of behavior has no place in the Conservative caucus."
“I have a positive message to deliver to Canadians and I expect all members of my caucus to embrace that approach when communicating with Canadians,” concluded the statement.
Ritz had apologized Tuesday night on Twitter before his leader's official statement:
I apologize for the use of Barbie, it is not reflective of the role the Minister plays
— Gerry Ritz (@GerryRitzMP) September 20, 2017
