Calgary MP Rob Anders is in trouble again, this time over comments he made to a political website.
The MP for Calgary-West apologized for his comments and Layton’s widow Olivia Chow accepted his apology on Monday.
She says that she is putting the situation behind her and any ‘conspiracy theories’ out of his comments are a waste of time.
Chow says that Anders hadn’t apologized to her personally, but suggested that he could sponsor her in an upcoming charity run to make amends.
Anders told the website iPolitics that NDP leader Thomas Mulcair helped hasten the death of Jack Layton by pushing him in the last election.
He says that Layton overstressed his health during the election and it was Mulcair’s doing.
The Prime Minister’s office has distanced themselves from the MP, saying that his comments do not represent the views of Stephen Harper or the government.
Anders apologized on Monday in the following statement:
"My comments in iPolitics with respect to Mr. Mulcair and Mr. Layton were insensitive and inconsiderate. I apologize to Mr. Mulcair and to Mr. Layton's family.”
Anders has been the center of a few recent controversies involving his conduct.
In March, Anders lashed out at veterans who accused him of falling asleep at a Veteran Affairs Committee meeting. He apologized soon afterwards, saying that he had ‘enormous respect for the men and women who have sacrificed in the service of our country.’
Last November, Anders was caught on camera appearing to doze off in the House of Commons during Question Period.
With files from the CTVNews.ca
