Friday, September 26, 2014

Calandra's Apology

I was a little surprised by today's news that Parliamentary Secretary Paul Calandra had apologized for his behaviour in the House the other day. I am not surprised, sadly, but CBC's reports that Calandra's talking points had been arranged by the PMO prior to that infamous question period.

As much as I'd like to believe Calandra is truly sorry, it's hard not to think that the PM, sensing a story blowing up in his government's face, ordered the apology, forcing Calandra to fall on his sword. I am heartened, however, by the news that several Conservative MPs actually were upset by Calandra's behaviour...although I'm so cynical now that I find myself struggling to believe those claims, too.

This is why Canadians are disengaging from politics. 


Stephen Fitzpatrick said...

I'm skeptical of his motivation as well, but in an age of pseudo-apologies like "I'm sorry if I was unclear," or "my apologies if I caused offence", Calandra came across as sincerely upset, took personal responsibility, and made a point of apologizing directly to Mulcair. I was surprised and even a little impressed.

Now we just need the Speaker to step up and do something similar.

CuJoYYC said...

Calandra was so sorry, he virtually promised to piss off Parliament with non-answers again.

Stephen Fitzpatrick said...

And still, I'm more underwhelmed with the House's youngest speaker glibly excusing the behaviour by saying something along the lines of "that's why they don't call it answer period."