Harper urged to remove MP John Williamson over 'whities' comment - Action News
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Harper urged to remove MP John Williamson over 'whities' comment

Liberal MP John McCallum says the prime minister should remove New Brunswick MP John Williamson from the Conservative caucus following Williamson's comments about "whities" and "brown people" in the temporary foreign worker program.

Liberal MP John McCallum calls on prime minister to end silence over MP's 'racist' comments

John McCallum on 'whities' comment

10 years ago
Duration 2:43
Liberal MP calls on prime minister to remove John Williamson from caucus over comment.

Liberal MP JohnMcCallum says the prime ministershould remove New Brunswick MP John Williamson from the Conservativecaucus following Williamson's comments about"whities" and "brown people" in the temporary foreign worker program.

In question period Thursday, McCallumaccused Stephen Harper of remaining silent on Williamson's comments, which were madelast weekend.

He said Harper was giving in to "racist sentiments within his own party."

Williamson told delegates at a conference in Ottawa that it makes no sense to pay "whities" to stay home while companies bring in "brown people" as temporary foreign workers.

New Brunswick Southwest MP John Williamson was in Question Period on Thursday but he did not respond to Liberal MP John McCallum's comments. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian Press)
The New Brunswick Southwest MP later apologized "unreservedly" on Twitter for his "offensive and inappropriate language."

Williamson attended question period on Thursday, but PierrePoilievre, the minister of employment and social development, responded toMcCallum'scomments instead.

Poilievreignored McCallum's remarks and referred insteadto complaints made by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs about a speech by Justin Trudeau, in which the Liberal leader comparedCanadas immigration policy for Jews during the Holocaust to present-day fear-mongering about Muslims.

Williamson,a former director of communications for Harper,has called his comments about temporary workersthe biggest mistake of his political career.

On Wednesday, New Brunswick member of the legislative assembly John Ames, also a Liberal, introduced a motion to condemn Williamson's comments and called them racially charged.