Brian Jean must apologize for using R-word

EDMONTON – Brian Jean must apologize for using completely inappropriate and irresponsible language that negatively impacts Albertans with intellectual disabilities and their families.

In Drayton Valley while discussing the Quebec Premier’s energy policy, Jean attacked the Premier of Quebec and said “it’s ridiculous, it’s [the R-word].”[1]

“This word is offensive. It hurts people, and Mr. Jean should have known to remove this word from his vocabulary by now. But this is always the level the UCP sinks to when they throw around insults,” said Marie Renaud MLA for St. Albert. “Insulting other Premiers is no way to get pipelines built." 

This is not the first time the UCP has used this language. MLA Prab Gill had to apologize in the spring for agreeing with a comment calling voters the same term.[2] This is also not the first time the opposition has insulted another Canadian Premier while Alberta is working to build pipelines. In spring 2016, MLA Derek Fildebrandt insulted Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and was temporarily removed from the Wildrose caucus.[3]

Brian Jean must immediately apologize for his hurtful language.

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[1] Red Deer News Now, September 28 2017. https://soundcloud.com/rdnewsnow-red-deer/brian-jean-in-drayton-valley-sept-28

[2] News Talk 770. May 23 2017. https://globalnews.ca/news/3471059/calgary-mla-prab-gill-apologizes-for-comment-on-derogatory-facebook-post/

[3] CBC. May 28 2016. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/wildrose-suspends-derek-fildebrandt-1.3604922