The fallout from comments by a political candidate in next week’s byelection on the northeast coast continues to grow.

Lin Paddock, who is on the ballot for the PCs in Baie Verte-Green Bay, suggested that we should choose countries such as Germany when it comes to recruitment of health care professionals as they would be more likely to stay in Newfoundland and Labrador than someone from Pakistan or India.

Premier Andrew Furey wants Paddock removed as the candidate, but PC Leader Tony Wakeham says his apology will suffice.

The Muslim Association of Newfoundland says they decided to speak out after receiving a derogatory email from a person who was supportive of Paddock’s comments and who made false accusations against the Muslim faith. The email has been forwarded to law enforcement.

The association, which represents over 7,000 Muslims, says the reasons why some medical professionals are leaving our province are highly complex, and therefore cannot be reduced to ethnic backgrounds or recreational choices. It says it is the responsibility of politicians, elected or not, to engage in meaningful discussions around such issues instead of fueling debates that are potentially divisive and offensive.