Canada PoliticsOntario Tories “regret” using the term “train wreck” in Wednesday morning press release
Now, this is a pretty embarrassing oops.
The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party was forced to apologize for sending out a press release which called the Liberal government's subway strategy a "train wreck" on the same day a bus crashed into a train, in Ottawa, killing six people.
"Standing firmly onside with pro-subway Toronto city councillors, Tory Leader Tim Hudak today denounced the Liberal government's jerry-rigged plan for the Scarborough subway extension as nothing short of a 'train wreck,'" the release said, according to Sun News.
Rightly so, that had raised the ire of several folks on Twitter:
PC leader @timhudak calls Liberal subways plans a train wreck on the day a train crash causes multiple deaths #classact
— chris young (@chrisfwyoung) September 18, 2013
PCs just sent out press release calling subway plan a 'train wreck.' Poor choice of words given today's crash in #Ottawa. #onpoli #ottnews — Matthew Pearson (@mpearson78) September 18, 2013
Tim Hudak sending a press release making light of a "train wreck" is beyond ignorant #onpoli #cdnpoli #timhudak
— Wayto is Greato (@NEILspeedwagon) September 18, 2013
Shortly after releasing the first statement, however, the Tories apologized and removed the "train-wreck" reference.
"The original release was written and sent for automatic delivery prior to this morning's fatal collision in Ottawa. While we can assure you it was not intentional, we regret the appearance of insensitivity toward this morning's tragedy.
We extend our sincerest condolences to the victims' families and friends."
[ Related: Witnesses recount devastating crash between Via Rail train and Ottawa bus that killed six ]
In a much smoother fashion — within hours of the crash — several other politicians and political parties reacted to the tragic incident.
"My heart goes out to all the individuals and families who are affected, and I want to thank our first responders for being on the scene," said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said, according to the Canadian Press.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper released this statement to media:
It is a tragic morning in the Nation’s Capital, as a devastating accident between a bus and train has caused injury and death.
On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this tragedy.
I would like to commend all of the first responders who acted quickly to assist those in need.
NDP leader Thomas Mulcair said this in a statement.
"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the terrible accident this morning between a VIA rail train and an OC Transpo commuter bus in Ottawa.
We are deeply saddened and offer our condolences to the families and communities who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Let us acknowledge the hard work under difficult and emotional circumstances of the emergency personnel involved."
And federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau had this to say:
"I was terribly saddened to hear of the fatal train and bus collision in Ottawa this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those families and friends who have been affected by this devastating accident.
These next few hours are of vital importance, and it is reassuring to see the swift assistance of our emergency response personnel. We are standing with all those affected by this awful collision."
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