Premiers Dwight Ball and Francois Legault have apologized for comments made yesterday during a photo op with media ahead of the Atlantic Premiers meeting in St. John’s.
The Quebec Premier offered his condolences to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador on the passing of John Crosbie, but made an aside, suggesting that his son Ches is not the speaker his father was.
Premier Dwight Ball laughed at the comment.
Both premiers offered their apologies this morning for the comments.
Both Premier Ball and @francoislegault just apologized again for yesterday’s comments about Ches Crosbie.
Ball says his reaction was inappropriate and they discussed it yesterday following the meeting.
Ball says he is yet to reach out to Ches personally, but will. @VOCMNEWS https://t.co/apRVPyGo41
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) January 13, 2020
Premier Legault admits it was a poor joke. He indicates that John Crosbie has an image in Quebec of being one of the best speakers in Canada.
Premier Ball says his reaction was inappropriate. He says modern day politicians cannot reach the bar raised by John Crosbie.
Earlier Story
The photo op for Premier Dwight Ball and Quebec Premier Francois Legault ahead of their meeting on Sunday didn’t go by without some controversy.
While taking time to pay tribute to the Honourable John Crosbie, Legault made a joke about his son—PC Leader Ches Crosbie—and how he isn’t quite the speaker his father was.
Legault says John Crosbie was a very good speaker, however his son is not as great. He went on to say John Crosbie was a great man, and we have to thank him.
Quebec Premier François Legault takes a moment to speak about John Crosbie. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/7YKknlinEf
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) January 12, 2020
The joke was met with laughter from Premier Ball, which didn’t sit well with many.
Members of the PC Caucus took to Twitter, including Opposition House Leader Barry Petten.
Making negative comments about our leader while he in mourning is both inappropriate and disrespectful. Show some class @francoislegault @premierofnl #nlpoli
— Barry Petten (@BarryPetten) January 13, 2020
He says making negative comments about the party leader while he is in mourning is both inappropriate and disrespectful.
Opposition Calls for Apology
Meanwhile, the official opposition is calling for an apology from both premiers.
In a statement issued on Monday morning, the PC caucus says that they were shocked and disappointed to hear the comments directed at party leader Ches Crosbie.
They call the behaviour “inappropriate, disrespectful and tasteless.”
The party reiterated that they are focused on remembering John Crosbie’s legacy, and continuing to offering support for the Crosbie family.
