B.C. Conservatives fire candidate over Twitter remarks

The B.C. Conservatives have fired theirVancouver-False-Creekcandidate in the upcoming election over comments he made on social media.

In January, Ian Tootill wrote on his Twitter account: "Call me simplistic but I agree with Ron Paul. Drugs should be legalized. All drugs, not just pot. No slope then."

And last October, Tootill asked: "Whos really to blame? Hitler or the people who acted on his words?"

In 2011, he replied to another Twitter user: " ... We men love sluts ..."

On Wednesday afternoon, B.C. Conservative leader John Cummins said Tootills comments were "completed unacceptable."

"We are a party that believes in a respectful airing of views. Mr. Tootill's statements are unacceptable and downright shameful. He has been fired as a candidate," Cummins saidin a statement.

Minutes later, Tootill wrote on his Twitter account: "In heat of an election campaign it's difficult 4 subtleties 2 be discussed. I do not agree with BCCP decision but I accept it."

Tootill is the third candidate to be removed as an official party candidate for MLA in the leadup to the May 14 provincial election.

Earlier this week, North Vancouver-Lonsdale Conservative candidateJeff Sprague stepped downafterallegedly driving while impaired.

And last week, the B.C. NDP droppedKelowna-Missioncandidate Dayleen Van Ryswyk on the first day of the provincial election campaign overcontroversial comments made on a local media website.