Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has apologized for making "tasteless" remarks about the listeriosis crisis that killed 17 people, but the NDP and Liberals say he should resign. "My comments were inappropriate and callous," Ritz told reporters late Wednesday night. "I take responsibility and I apologize without reservation." During a conference call with scientists, bureaucrats and political staff on Aug. 30, Ritz made several off-colour jokes about the outbreak. After fretting about the political dangers of the Listeria scare, Ritz quipped: "This is like a death by a thousand cuts. Or should I say cold cuts." Then when told of a death in Prince Edward Island, Ritz said, "Please tell me it's (Liberal MP) Wayne Easter." Easter is the Liberal agriculture critic and has called for Ritz's resignation over his handling of the outbreak, which was linked to a Maple Leaf Foods meat processing plant north of Toronto.
I phoned Mr. Easter earlier today and apologized," Reid said late Wednesday. "He accepted my apology and I thank him for that. Most importantly, I want to offer my most humble and heartfelt regrets to the families of those affected by this tragedy. I did not intend to add to their suffering and I very deeply apologize for that." Kory Teneycke, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, said Ritz expressed regret over his remarks to Stephen Harper but there was no suggestion of resigning."A resignation was not offered, nor was one asked for," he said.
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Don Quixote Note: This is probably why Stevie doesn't allow his ministers to speak without clearing the message with the central war room. Rumours that there is a 'Do Not Speak to Media' on certain M.P.'s may be untrue but if there is such a list, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz will soon find himself on top of it.
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