DURHAM -- The federal NDP is downplaying what an area Liberal is calling a "vulgar, threatening attack" made on Facebook by Durham NDP candidate Andrew McKeever.
The comments not only use foul language and refer to a woman by a vulgar name, but also take a stance opposing that of the NDP on the subject of U.S. war resisters.
In June the House of Commons passed a non-binding parliamentary motion sponsored by NDP incumbent Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina) calling on the Conservative government to let Iraq war resisters stay in the country instead of being deported to the U.S., where many would face jail time for abandoning their military duties.
In July Facebook posts to a group aimed at supporting US war resisters in Canada, Mr. McKeever refers to "American crybabies who are trying to turn this country into a hotel." He then goes on to make a number of comments to the group's female administrator, including, "Answer a f______ question you c___. I can guarantee if I ever see you face to face I will make you squeal for the same authorities that you have such a (baseless) disdain for."
Mr. McKeever also threatens another member of the posting group, indicating that if he ever sees him "anywhere in Toronto, I will kick the s___ out of" him.
The comments had members of the Liberal party calling for the Durham NDP candidate's resignation. But the national NDP says since he's apologized, he may continue to run.
"He has reformed his views," said NDP spokeswoman Kathleen Monk. "He no longer believes the things he said on the website and in fact has apologized for all the comments he made on Facebook.
"It was a fulsome apology."
As a result, Mr. McKeever will remain the Durham NDP candidate, she said.
It's not appropriate, said an area Liberal candidate, in a media release from the Liberal Party of Canada Press Office.
"There is no room for this kind of vicious, threatening attack in Canadian politics," said Dan McTeague, Liberal incumbent in Pickering-Scarborough East. "These comments are beyond the pale and Jack Layton must denounce them and fire his candidate immediately."
The comments have since been removed from Facebook, but screenshots of the pages in question were provided by Liberal insiders.
Mr. McKeever has provided individual apologies to the specific people he offended, Ms. Monk said. In fact, she said one US war resister has even offered to come speak in the riding on behalf of Mr. McKeever.
Mr. McKeever did not respond to requests for an interview.
All parties have faced some similar situations with regard to candidates this election, Ms. Monk said. In fact, Friday, Liberal leader Stephane Dion removed a western candidate from the Liberal ticket after comments regarding 9/11.
This type of thing detracts from real election issues, Ms. Monk said.
"It's unfortunate that the Liberal war room is pushing this (the McKeever) story."
-- With files from Torstar news service
Recommend :
Latest News
Man charged in attack on couple back in court Jan. 22OSHAWA -- The case of a man accused of assaulting two women outside an Oshawa elementary school is due back in court later this month. A judicial pretrial session is set Jan...
Hells Angels trial winding downOSHAWA -- Jurors are expected to begin deliberations next week in the case of two Hells Angels accused of conspiring to murder an underworld rival. The trial of Remond Akleh...
Dances to aid Ajax legion, charitiesAJAX -- Canadian troops serving overseas and the Ajax Legion will benefit from an upcoming dance. The Over 30 Dance and Social Club is hosting the event on Friday, Jan. 23...
Carjackings linked, cops sayPICKERING -- Police are exploring the possibility that two recent carjackings were carried out by the same suspects. Durham cops are seeking the public's assistance as they...
Ajax snowplow, car tangleAJAX -- There was minor damage when a car and a Town snowplow bumped against each other Wednesday morning. The incident happened at about 7 a.m. when the plow turned south...
Gun pointed at woman's head in robberyAJAX -- Two teenaged suspects are being sought by police investigating a street level robbery in Ajax in which a woman had a gun held to her head. The 26-year-old victim told...
Residents oppose north Ajax highriseAJAX -- A developer's plan for a 15-storey condominium was received with less-than open arms during an information session on Tuesday. Dunbury Developments is proposing the...
Company hired to help restore St. FrancisAJAX -- A company has been hired to do interior restoration work on the former St. Francis de Sales Church. Rutherford Contracting will be paid almost $104,000 to do the first...
More snow, freezing rain on the wayOSHAWA - Residents should keep shovels handy and snow-blowers tuned up as this latest blast of wintery weather is expected to continue throughout today into the early evening...
Woman forced into van, sexually assaultedOSHAWA -- A woman was sexually assaulted by a man who forced her into his van last Friday in Oshawa. Durham police are seeking assistance in identifying the man, who...