ReutersA Canadian Conservative MP has apologized after calling Environment Minister Catherine McKenna a “climate barbie.”
Gerry Ritz made the comment on Twitter during an online discussion about a report on climate change.
The tweet provoked a furious response from Liberal MPs and others, and was later deleted.
Mr Ritz apologised, saying his comments “did not reflect the role the minister plays”.
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He took to Twitter following a report that targets set in the Paris agreement on climate change were not being met by major industrialized nations.
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In a response to other Twitter users, he wrote: “Has anyone warned our climate Barbie!”
Ms. McKenna responded: “Are you using this sexist language about your daughter, mother, sister?”
“We need more women in politics. Your sexist comments won’t stop us,” she added.
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In Parliament, House Leader Bardish Chagger said there was “no place for this kind of ignorance in Canadian politics.”
“Sexism is unacceptable,” retorted Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly.
Mr. Ritz, who represents a riding in the province of Saskatchewan, recently announced he was leaving politics after two decades.
“Typical zombieaholic. General twitter fanatic. Food fanatic. Gamer. Unapologetic analyst.”
