Peter MacKay says female staffers were responsible for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day emails

Peter MacKay's turbulent dip into the pool of gender stereotypes descended further this week when he distanced himself from accusations of chauvinism by claiming a female staffer had written two emails near the centre of the controversy.

MacKay, Canada's Minister of Justice, told the National Post's John Ivison that two emails sent under his name to his staff on Mother's Day and Father's Day, which appeared to emphasize gender stereotypes, were actually penned by a female staffer.

“The head of the communications branch is female, it was vetted by my female director of communications and posted by my female press secretary – and yes, signed off by me,” MacKay said in an email, according to the Post.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, those who have accused MacKay of clinging to an outdated view of gender roles weren't swayed by the argument, taking umbrage with his attempt to shift blame to female staff members. Or use them as a shield.

MacKay's exchange with the National Post had been aimed at putting such accusations to rest, directly addressing a controversy that has prompted Ontario's attorney general and Quebec's justice minister to speak out against his "deplorable" comments.

MacKay's heartache began last week when the Toronto Star published an account of a meeting during which he was said to suggest women don't apply to federal court positions because they have a special bond with their children and would prefer to stay at home.

Critics claimed the comments were proof that MacKay held an outdated and chauvinistic view of parenting roles. The claim was seemed to be emphasized this week when copies of emails wishing his staff happy Mother's Day and Father's Day were leaked to the Canadian Press. The context of those emails suggested MacKay felt women worked a full day of changing diapers and making lunches before coming to work, while men were responsible for shaping minds and guiding future leaders.

MacKay has taken umbrage with the characterization, releasing a statement that disputes the Star's report.

In his argument, he says the controversy has painted over the fact that the Conservative government has appointed "182 highly qualified women to the superior and appeal courts of this country" - a 17 per cent increase over the previous Liberal government.

On that front, he appears ready to take his share of the responsibility.