An Apology Is Not Enough Mr Ritz

In this comment I depart from the autism theme of this site to express my disgust with federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz who joked about listeriosis deaths during an August 30 government conference call. As reported last night by the Canadian Press :

Sources who took notes during the call said Ritz fretted about the political dangers of the affair before quipping:

"This is like a death by a thousand cuts. Or should I say cold cuts."

The disease was linked to cold cuts from Maple Leaf Meats.

And when told about a new death in Prince Edward Island, Ritz said: "Please tell me it's (Liberal MP) Wayne Easter."

Easter is the Liberal critic shadowing Ritz's Agriculture Department.

Mr. Ritz lack of respect should not be tolerated in a Minister responsible for decisions that have a serious impact on the lives and deaths of Canadians. He obviously does not take the 17 listeriosis deaths confirmed to date seriously.

Stephen Harper is resisting calls for Mr. Ritz' resignation. In doing so Mr. Harper places politics before the Canadian people. Sometimes an apology is not enough. Mr. Ritz should resign or be fired by Stephen Harper. Such contempt for the lives of Canadians is unacceptable.

autism