ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Premier Dwight Ball and Quebec Premier Francois Legault both apologized on Monday for a quip made about Progressive Conservative Leader Ches Crosbie.
In a photo opportunity between Legault and Ball on Sunday evening, Legault had remarked that Crosbie was not as good a speaker as his father, former federal cabinet minister John Crosbie.
John Crosbie died on Friday. His funeral will take place on Thursday.
Early Monday, the Tory caucus issued a news release, calling the comment "disrespectful and tasteless," as Crosbie is still mourning.
“While we believe this behaviour was inappropriate, disrespectful and tasteless, we are focused on remembering the incredible legacy of a political icon and supporting our friend and leader, along with his family, at this very difficult time.”
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
Legault and Ball offered their apologies on Monday.
"It was a joke. It was not a good joke," Legault said.
"I was trying to say that John Crosbie, in Quebec, has an image as one of the best speakers in Canada. I must have said that his son is different."
Ball didn't make the remark, but laughed along. He offered his apologies to the Crosbie family.
"It was inappropriate. I did apolgize for that. You think of comparing any modern-day politican to John Crosbie — he raises the bar that none of us could ever reach. I apologize for those comments."
