Canada -
News Sections
Tory MP under fire for 'tar baby' comment
CTV News Video
Watch: See all Videos in the Player
Font-size: 
Share 
Print
Comments(115)
CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Fri. May. 29 2009 6:41 PM ET
A Tory MP known for his partisan attacks and bare-knuckle parliamentary style is facing accusations of racism after he twice used the term "tar baby" in the House of Commons Friday.
Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, parliamentary secretary to the prime minister, used the term in response to Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff's decision to back away from his predecessor's unpopular carbon tax policy.
"On that side of the House, they have the man who fathered the carbon tax, put it up for adoption to his predecessor and now wants a paternity test to prove the tar baby was never his in the first place," said Poilievre.
He used the term again later during question period.
Liberal MP Ralph Goodale raised the issue at the end of question period and asked that Poilievre apologize for using the term.
"In addition to being a pejorative term, which might well prove to be unparliamentary, the parliamentary secretary might consider that there are many authorities both in this country and many others that consider the term racist," said Goodale.
Responding, Poilievre said he wasn't aware that the term had racist connotations.
"I have worked hard to represent people of all backgrounds and I have always done so in a spirit of tolerance. My reference to the term 'tar baby' was a common reference that refers to issues that stick to one," he said.
Poilievre hasn't officially apologized and the controversy continues to spread in Ottawa.
Later on Friday, Liberal MP Marlene Jennings, who is black, decried the term and demanded an apology.
"As a black child growing up, I was called all sorts of pejorative names based on the color of my skin, including the 'n-word' and 'tar baby' -- and believe me, it was hurtful," said Jennings.
"I am offended by Mr. Poilievre's insensitive remarks --and I know leaders in the black community across Canada feel the same way."
However, the prime minister's office appears to be digging in its heels and refusing to apologize.
In a press release issued Friday afternoon, the PMO stated that the term has been used by national media in Canada for something that sticks.
Tory MP Andrew Saxton said his "colleague meant no harm" when he used the term.
"It's a completely different usage of the term -- it's a usage that's been used for a very long time (and used) by many politicians, including Liberals," he told CTV's Power Play on Friday.
Still, ignorance is no excuse, said NDP MP Malcolm Allen.
"It's not an excuse to say 'I'm a younger person and I don't remember those terms,'" he said. "He ought to (have) apologized this morning."
User Tools
Share with your social Network:
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Tools
About the tools
Need to get in touch with CTV? You can email the CTV web team using the 'Feedback' button.
-
Font-size - Print Article
- Comments(115)
-
Feedback
Share it with your network of friends
Share this CTV article or feature with your friends. Click on the icon for your favourite social networking or messaging system, and follow the prompts.
Share this article with Facebook
Share this article with Digg
Share this article with Newsvine
Share this article with delicious
Share this article.
Send Email
Share this article with Twitter
Share this article with StumbleUpon
Share this article with Reddit
Share this article with Yahoo! Buzz
Most Viewed News Stories
Most Talked about Stories
I applaud the budget, even though Health Care and education may stay unscathed. Sadly this cannot last and I worry to later this year where cuts will become enviable. If anything, this provides the Wildrose Alliance plenty of ammo when an election is called.
Comments are now closed for this story
Ken Leblanc
said
Vancouver Joe
said
dawn
said
Ian
said
Rich
said
Joel Bain
said
Seriously...if he had used the term to refer to, or in speaking to, the Hon. Marlene Jennings, then we might actually have a controversy, but this is just pathetic that this is being called a "controversy."
Brian Fr Langley BC
said
MikeP
said
Of course, the Tories are on the rampage and dirtying cammpain as a possible election is quickly approaching.
Harper should get rid of this member of parliament.
FreakAlert
said
Plato
R
said
...and I work with a lot of french...
he did not know the context that the term can be used against blacks...which should be a good sign...if he had any idea what it could mean to some people...he would never had said it.
Prynce
said
Jason
said
JMB
said
What is with people these days? What ever happened to "sticks and stones..."?
Political correctness has gone too far and we've become a country of whiners with zero tolerance.
Rich
said
Chalk this one up to lost in translation.
Ki-Som Victoria BC
said
Josh in Ontario
said
I honestly don't know what's worse. The fact that he said it and didn't apologize for not knowing, or the fact that the opposition is wasting time on this issue.
Waterloo Region Rick
said
Jason
said
However, according to urbandictionary.com, it is also likely to mean:
"a situation almost impossible to get out of; a problem virtually unsolvable;"
Which is most probably how Mr. Pollievre meant it to be used.
If we start disecting every work in the English language, almost every word can be construed to have a double intent.
How about we start shelving our insecurities and political correctness before nobody can utter a sentence without someone crying foul?
keith
said
3pointloseradam
said
sarah
said
Must the The Liberals always the party of false outrage? I have *never* heard the words 'tar baby' as a pejorative term for race. It is clear that Poillevre never meant to use it as such. Marlene Jennings should be ashamed of herself - this false outrage trivializes matters of actual racism.
What a joke.
Mike
said
AWinnipeg
said
ian
said
Bob Settler
said
For those of you wishing to excuse Mr Poilievre as being a francophone who doesn't understand english very well in fact Mr Poiliever is an anglophone born in Calgary Alberta in 1979. He may have a french name but if you've ever heard him speak in french he is anything but perfectly fluent in french.
Kenji
said
I personally find it funny that the Liberal Party claims a heritage as the 'tolerant' party of multicultural-types, Seeing as how their party was responsible for putting my grandfather in an internment camp during the war because he was Japanese. They should never forget what they did.
Daniel
said
A sincerely apology would from this MP would be a start. As would sensity training, etc. We expect more from our Parliamentarians.
But the PMO is turning this issue into a opposition bonanza. Will they ever learn?
John
said
Just apologize and move on. By refusing to apologize it makes them look like they're from another era - i.e. insensitive.
PT
said
sandra
said
Arby
said
Any and every race can twist a word into being offensive if they personally find it offensive.
Liberals are doing what most loser politicians do...they make a big deal out of nothing in an attempt do discredit the governing party.
Maybe Jennings ought to shut her cake hole. Hold on now...one should not say cake hole because it might be offensive to someone who has an eating disorder or someone who is overweight!
These politicians really need to grow up.
MikeP
said
No reason for Poilievre to hide behind the French language excuse.
This not the first time this big mouth has shown his colors.
A PC admirer will always be one of the boys, regardless the degree of intelligence.
He did not even have the decency to apologize for his mistake ....
Inkmont
said
Sorry For...?
said
Sorry for the liberals misinterpreting the message as being racist. How about we ban the word 'black', 'coloured', 'yellow', 'red' and any other word in the English language that could be twisted into having a racist meaning?
Oh no, I used the term 'tar baby' in my post... must mean I am racist too.
Redbike in Redmonton
said
Ignorant, the lot of them; ignorant of the literary reference being adopted. And petty beyone belief for adopting the remark, and recasting it as a racial slur.
I can assure you that it is not the cons who need to apologize this time! They should all retire to the left coast, and help Heddy Fry find those burning crosses!
Ian in N.B.
said
Hugh
said
let's get offended about everything people!
said
son of sam
said
Concerned Canadian
said
According to Time magazine's article discussing this very issue (google "Tar baby") the term is only racist when it is used to refer to a person. It has other meanings, such as a "sticky situation." That appears to be how this speaker was using it. It's racist connotations are only present when context dictates it is being used that way. It is not being used that way here. Therefore Goodale is wrong.
On the other hand, most educated people are aware that the term has a loaded and potentially offensive second meaning. For Mr. Poilievre not to be aware of this does not speak too highly of his intelligence.
Political correctness began as a means of drawing to public attention words or phrases that may cause harm to others. From that point of view, it is well intended.
But too often we find people just looking to be offended so they can capture the moral high ground, as Goodale is attempting to do here.
Nor do we apply these standards consistently; in particular, feminists' use of phrases such as "male chauvanist pig" are sexist and offensive, but rarely treated that way by the mainstream media.
Mike R.
said
P2
said
Dave in Perth
said
Personally I think people should say what they mean and mean what they say. I'm tired of people hanging on every word looking for some imaginary inflection. Someone may be offended when I speak just as I may when they speak but we get over it. There is no "right" that I know of to not be offended so get on with it all kids.
andy
said
Jimin BC
said
Jim from montreal
said
Mike, Mississauga
said
Lyle
said
DCR-Toronto
said
Bottom feeders!
Ian
said
What if an MP used the word "frog", to describe someone jumping from one thing to another. Would all French speaking MPs then say he was being disrespectful to them? Why should Polievre apologize when he said nothing wrong. Is it the job of the House of Commons to tell Canadians which terms they can or can't use? Can I not tell someone that I have to get my bit** spayed because the word is used in a derogatory manner too? (notice how I didn't spell the word because I know it would have been omitted) French people can't use the word "calisse" (chalice in English) when talking about a theft at their local church, because you'll offend someone.
We Canadians love to brag about how tolerant and liberal we are and how much we value our Constitution and the freedoms we enjoy because of it. This is the slippery slope to suppressing free speech when we can no longer use a terms that is totally innocent, if someone is offended even though they know it wasn't being used in an offensive context. Will the term "terrorist" become synonymous with someone from the Middle East and be banned? Will words such as "bastardize" (change something so that its value declines) be banned as well? Think about it!
BMM
said
"The day that ANY Tory will apologize for hurt ANY ethnic group, will be the day when they form a majority government."
You really should get your facts straight. Seems to me that so far the Tories have made appologies to the Aboriginal and Chinese communities recently and to the Japanese community as far back as 1988 while the Liberals have never appologized to anyone including taxpayers for stealing over $200M.
Grow up!
said
He should grow up! Same goes for every MP in Parliament.
Mark -Vegreville, AB
said
Still, ignorance is no excuse, said NDP MP Malcolm Allen.
"It's not an excuse to say 'I'm a younger person and I don't remember those terms,'" he said. "He ought to (have) apologized this morning."
Because Mr. Poilievre is a younger person he probably hasn't heard the term as a racial slur before, so how can he REMEMBER it?
I feel bad that the people represented by Mr. Allen could not find a slightly brighter person to forward their views.
Frank Buchan (Vauxhall, Alberta by way of Ontario)
said
Jim C from Markham ON
said
I've never even heard of the term "tar baby". Amazing how they can make something out of nothing.
Liberals try to pretend they are the party of ethnics but they lost that title a long time ago, if they were ever really in that position. I know that most of the Chinese population has been swinging solidly over to the Conservatives over the past ten years.
GUTSHOT!! and it wasnt even hunting season. TBay
said
Tar Baby is a sticky situation. Nothing to do with racism unless you yourself are a racist.
I'd say this just confirms that Liberals just aren't very wise or deep thinkers. They are just reactionaries.
beverly - lethbridge
said
Suck it up, apologise and get on with the REAL problems that face Canada.
johnn ni Kitchener
said
So: Every time I hear the term "go Dutch", I should demand an apology from the person who said it; or - better yet: drag this person in front of the Political Correctness Inquisition (aka Human Rights Tribunal) and demand huge damages.
Given the record of that body, I could become a rich man in my senior years . . . .
Thanks for the idea . . . .
Pat
said
I don't think he is racist because of these comments but the man is a joke, nothing but a partisan hack who epitomizes what is wrong in Canadian politics.
Garry in NS
said
However, in this instance I firmly believe that the MP in question truly had no idea as to its meaning and the case should now be closed. He has learned a valuable lesson. It's time to move on.
BMM
said
Whine and Cheese
said
Lefty
said
Phil from Red Neck Country
said
Grow up people, today “everything” which is said which somebody does not like is either racist or not politically correct and statements can be misconstrued to fit an agenda.
Canadians are turning into a bunch of self righteous whimps.
Maria-Toronto
said
I moved to Ontario in 1984...never heard of the term.
I highly doubt he used the term to offend and be racist.
They might be idiots but surely they know better than to be racist in this day and age.
Most likely he was unaware of the "other" meaning of the word/term and now it has been taken out of context by some.
Glenn in Winnipeg
said
The term Tar Baby is not racist ... but there are other terms other the N word used throughout the Mel Brooks classic 'Blazing Saddles" such as BLUE GUMS. There are other more colorful terms that Southerns use in reference to African Americans.
Gee, you would think by now these sensitive people on both sides of the color dialogue would get over it.
Jessica
said
Rick in NB
said
Shawn
said
Mr. Poilievre is has nothing to "apologize" for.
terri
said
Murray W.
said
It seems that you can't say anything today but what it's pegged as racist. No apologizes necessary in this case!!!
JIM/ONTARIO
said
ComSense
said
Sadly, his attitude reflects the Conservative ignorance about anything that is non conservative.
Wendy
said
I don't talk with my parents anymore because of their conservative thinking.
Tories need to go
said
Amy - Coquitlam BC
said
Pascal
said
Dave Williams
said
McCain Apologizes for ‘Tar-Baby’ Moment
By Adam Nagourney
CEDAR FALLS — Senator John S. McCain offered an apology in Cedar Falls today after he used the word “tar-baby” in response to a rather arcane question from an Iowa voter about federal intervention in divorce and custody cases. The phrase is considered by some to be a racial epithet.
In response to the question, Mr. McCain said that he was not going to take a position that it was proper “to declare divorces invalid because of someone who feels they weren’t treated fairly in court; we are getting into a tar-baby of enormous proportions and I don’t know how you get out of that.”
When told after the event that the word was viewed by some as a racial epithet, Mr. McCain responded: “I hope that it’s not viewed that way.” A moment later, he apologized. “I don’t think I should have used that word and I was wrong to do it.”
One of Mr. McCain’s rival, Mitt Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, apologized last year for using the word in referring to the troubled “Big Dig” highway project in Boston.
GF
said
North Gower Con
said
A Voice From Ottawa
said
Fred - Brandon MB
said
This is the opposition trying to manufacture a controversy, again
Ray Jacques, Glen Robertson, ON
said
Have you never bunmped into anyone (that you do not even know), and virtually every time, I'll bet that you said "Sorry" It wan't required, it was said in politeness.
It amazes me what Conservative posters here will tolerate from this low class Conservative Government.
If no slurr was intended, instead of attacking Marlene Jennings for trying to exploit the comment, the polite thing to do would be to simply apologize as he hurt her.
I do not remember any previous government who were so low class, incompetent, laxk vision, and never discipline their own (not even the Ag Minister who made Jokes about Listeriosis when at that point 19 Canadian died.
Nobody is always wrong. Why can't you Conservative posters hold you party to a higher Standard and stop being so rude and aggrressive to the Liberals - It is really tiresome to keep hearing / seeing and totally unproductive.
I am a Liberal supporter and I can proudly advise you that when they screwed up - I did not try to defend the indefencible.
Brian Mulroney dealt ruthlessly with incompetence & insensitivity - "you're out"
Somebody has to tell these Conservatives when they cross the line of even common civility. In the absence of their supporters doing that job, it does fall to the Official Opposition to provide critique and attempt to stop bad Legislation.
Thge Conservative would be less hated (and possibly not hated at all) if they were more civilized & willing to compromise.
Veronica
said
David Williams- Vancouver B.C.
said
He should apologize. Dreams are made of this.
Opps wait a minute.... we are talking about a MP in the Harper Government who vet statements before they are made?
The dream turns into a nightmare.
Clearly
Brent Kipps
said
Sandi in Ottawa
said
There is absolutely nothing wrong in what he said in the House today. He clearly did NOT mean this in the context with which some individuals are presuming to take it.
In fact, if he were to apologize, that would then indicate some kind of intent to purposely harm or offend. He does not need to apologize because he did not even use the term in any context which would suggest anything about race.
If he had done so, then yes an apology would be warranted.
In fact, it is my belief that anyone that sees this as any kind of racial slur, despite the fact it was not used in that context, is then the one with the issue and NOT Mr. Pollievre.
It is clearly evident the Liberals are in the habit of making mountains out of mole hills.
The very fact that it was insinuated Mr. Pollievre used the term as a racial slur is a blatent insult to Mr. Pollievre and not anyone else.
KRB
said
rufus debar
said
Let's make everything derogatory. People from the "Cabbage Patch" really bug me, especially those "nose plugs".
Steve in Ottawa
said
Well Pierre admits he doesn't understand what comes out of his own mouth. That's a step forward.
Who the heck voted for him anyways?
Reece
said
If the conservatives aren't ripping off speeches made by other world leaders, they are plagerizing insults made by other politicians.
Is there an original thought in the heads of any neo-conservative out there? I'm gonna quit reading Canadian newspapers and read up on the policies of other nations because I guaranteed these policies will be adopted the next morning by this group.
BTW, Harper, the economic stimulous in the USA is needed because hundreds of banks have gone under in that country - really, there's no need for that kind of stimulous over here. Give it a few minutes to sink in and maybe when you figure it out you can tender your resignation but first fire the $50 billion dollar man.
Cripes!!!
Lorne
said
Roadrobber
said
PM
said
For her part, Marlene Jennings should be roundly scorned for her shamelessly spurious and partisan use of the race card.
Bev
said
WestofTheRockies
said
Maybe instead of huffing and puffing about how terrible it is, making foolish demanding for apologies, and displaying false indignation, you could just provide a simple explanation of the term’s origin and exactly how it is a racist or derogatory.
The fact that it comes from an African American tale Br'er Rabbit, does not count.
Come on we're waiting..........
Ada Uddoh
said
I wouldn't say that I'm outraged about the comment so much as the PMO's refusal to deal with this swiftly and diplomatically. Way to go, Conservatives. Now I know how Americans circa early 2008 felt!
MR
said
Shirley
said
a
said
Cara
said
Lloyd Axeworthy Liberal MP Dec 11 2003
Slavish? Tar Baby? From a Liberal? That must have been when the crosses were burning on the front lawns in Prince George courtesy of Hedy Fry - Liberal MP
Ron J. - Calgary
said
team48
said
Pierre Poilievre did not call anyone a name as you suggest. You would be well advised to read the article before commenting. Also read the story of Bre'r Rabbit and the Tar Baby and perhaps you will not be quite so sensitive. As for Ms. Jennings and Mr. Goodale, they are well known for their almost daily rants in Question Period.
Doug in Nanaimo
said
All this reminds me why I haven't voted Conservative since the 90s.
marlene....anything for a cause
said
WestofTheRockies
said
Liberal/NDP types like you will stoop to any level to sling mud, even to using a one of your despised Republican’s as an example of proper conduct.
There is nothing racist about the term Tar Baby & you cannot provide anything to support your arrogant assertion.
By the way the recession in Canada was caused by the same factors as caused it in the rest of the world, one of which is bank failures in the US. We live in a global economy pal. Our largest customer who purchases 75% of the goods we produce is the USA.
Now even a guy with elementary math skills can figure out where the problem lies and it’s not with the government.
I’m sure it’s too difficult for you so consider this. If you ran a store & those customers that purchase 75% of what your store sells stopped buying can you imagine you might be using your bank draft to pay some bills, putting you in deficit position and causing you to lay off workers.
Pay attention!
Please!!!
said
Matt
said
Well, I guess you'd have to look up policy from other nations, because you sure as hell can't research your Liberal party policy. THEY DON'T HAVE ANY!!
Hundred of banks in the USA have failed? Really Reese, get your facts straight. The number is around 30. And before you talk about the stimulus spending (that your Liberal's demanded) learn how to spell it.
Rose Nova Scotia
said
Gary
said
If there was any shred of honor or dignity left in Canadian politics these Conservatives have stomped it out like a smoked cigarette. Disgusting group.
Doug in Stratford
said
Richard in Ontario
said
Marilyn A
said
...tolerance??? Tolerance is rarely free of prejudice.
Douglas
said
Mary
said
I have read Pierre Poilievre's remarks, simple political rhetoric describing Mr. Ignatieff's ties with the carbon tax, that's all.
What I do not except is Mr. Goodale and Ms Jennings exploiting race and Mr. Polievre's innocence for political gain. Shameful, simply shameful.