Canada MP apologises for calling minister 'climate Barbie'
A Canadian MP has been forced to apologise after calling a female minister "climate Barbie" during a heated Twitter debate.
Gerry Ritz made the comment to Catherine McKenna while discussing a climate change report.
She bit back, saying the comment was "sexist " and asked whether he would call his female family members by such a derogatory term.
For all who didn't see what's being referred to: pic.twitter.com/yo7nvUZKVs
— Wynn Rederburg (@WynnRederburg) September 20, 2017
The MP decided to tweet after the release of a report about major industrialised nations not meeting the targets set out in the Paris climate-change accord.
He said: "Has anyone told our climate Barbie!"
Thanks to everyone who has my back. I love my job. But some days it's hard. It matters that you call people out. ��������
— Catherine McKenna (@cathmckenna) September 20, 2017
She replied: "Do you use that sexist language about your daughter, mother, sister?
"We need more women in politics. Your sexist comments won't stop us".
He has now apologised, tweeting: "I apologize for the use of Barbie, it is not reflective of the role the Minister plays".
Wow, that will encourage more women to consider a career in politics. This is what we still have to deal with? #shameful#cdnpoli#its2017
— Sherry Romanado (@SherryRomanado) September 20, 2017
As a proud feminist, I am disappointed in the recent and unacceptable comments about my colleague @cathmckenna by @GerryRitzMP
— Harjit Sajjan (@HarjitSajjan) September 20, 2017
Old white guy @GerryRitzMP calls smart accomplished Minister of Environment @CathMckenna "Barbie." Because it's 2017. pic.twitter.com/gbApuLDMf7
— Roland Paris (@rolandparis) September 20, 2017
.@GerryRitzMP gives crackers a bad name. Female politicians are not Barbies, Gerry. And I'm pretty sure @cathmckenna could kick your ass. https://t.co/MkXIMPRurc
— Mark Critch (@markcritch) September 20, 2017
House leader Bardish Chagger criticised the statement in Parliament, saying there was "no room for that kind of ignorance in Canadian politics".
Heritage Minister Melanie Joly said "Sexism is unacceptable".
Mr Ritz recently announced he was going to leave politics after two decades.