DURHAM -- The federal NDP is downplaying what an area Liberal is calling a "vulgar, threatening attack" made on Facebook by Durham NDP candidate Andrew McKeever.
The comments not only use foul language and refer to a woman by a vulgar name, but also take a stance opposing that of the NDP on the subject of U.S. war resisters.
In June the House of Commons passed a non-binding parliamentary motion sponsored by NDP incumbent Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina) calling on the Conservative government to let Iraq war resisters stay in the country instead of being deported to the U.S., where many would face jail time for abandoning their military duties.
In July Facebook posts to a group aimed at supporting US war resisters in Canada, Mr. McKeever refers to "American crybabies who are trying to turn this country into a hotel." He then goes on to make a number of comments to the group's female administrator, including, "Answer a f______ question you c___. I can guarantee if I ever see you face to face I will make you squeal for the same authorities that you have such a (baseless) disdain for."
Mr. McKeever also threatens another member of the posting group, indicating that if he ever sees him "anywhere in Toronto, I will kick the s___ out of" him.
The comments had members of the Liberal party calling for the Durham NDP candidate's resignation. But the national NDP says since he's apologized, he may continue to run.
"He has reformed his views," said NDP spokeswoman Kathleen Monk. "He no longer believes the things he said on the website and in fact has apologized for all the comments he made on Facebook.
"It was a fulsome apology."
As a result, Mr. McKeever will remain the Durham NDP candidate, she said.
It's not appropriate, said an area Liberal candidate, in a media release from the Liberal Party of Canada Press Office.
"There is no room for this kind of vicious, threatening attack in Canadian politics," said Dan McTeague, Liberal incumbent in Pickering-Scarborough East. "These comments are beyond the pale and Jack Layton must denounce them and fire his candidate immediately."
The comments have since been removed from Facebook, but screenshots of the pages in question were provided by Liberal insiders.
Mr. McKeever has provided individual apologies to the specific people he offended, Ms. Monk said. In fact, she said one US war resister has even offered to come speak in the riding on behalf of Mr. McKeever.
Mr. McKeever did not respond to requests for an interview.
All parties have faced some similar situations with regard to candidates this election, Ms. Monk said. In fact, Friday, Liberal leader Stephane Dion removed a western candidate from the Liberal ticket after comments regarding 9/11.
This type of thing detracts from real election issues, Ms. Monk said.
"It's unfortunate that the Liberal war room is pushing this (the McKeever) story."
-- With files from Torstar news service
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