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
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Hailey and Justin Bieber are expecting their first child
Hailey Rhode Bieber, Canadian musician Justin Bieber's wife, announced her pregnancy on social media on Thursday. Hailey posted a series of photos showing her baby bump alongside husband Justin.
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.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
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.
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.
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.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street