Manitoba cabinet minister quoted Winston Churchill on skirts, apologizes
Manitoba's deputy premier is apologizing for remarks he made about women's skirts during a speech to a business audience.
Cliff Cullen, who is also the minister for economic development, told the legislature he is sorry for his error in judgment and has apologized in writing to the Business Council of Manitoba.
Cullen spoke to the business group last week.
The Winnipeg Free Press has reported that Cullen said a good speech should be like a woman's skirt -- long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.
It's a phrase commonly attributed to former British prime minister Winston Churchill.
The Opposition New Democrats called Cullen's remarks an example of misogyny and said he should undergo sensitivity and sexual harassment training.
"Words uttered by the deputy premier contribute to a dangerous environment where sexual harassment and violence against women thrive," NDP house leader Nahanni Fontaine told the chamber Tuesday.
Cullen did not speak to reporters after, but apologized twice in response to Fontaine's questions.
"I have apologized to the business council, certainly I do want to apologize as well to all Manitobans for my comments," Cullen said.
"I recognize they were very regrettable, I appreciate the error in judgment and I will learn from my mistakes."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 17, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.