N.B. premier calls Barbie remark 'unacceptable'

N.B. Premier Shawn Graham has weighed in on a Liberal cabinet minister's sexist remark, and issued a stern warning to his government members.

Cabinet minister Roly MacIntyre referred to Tory MLA Margaret-Ann Blaney as "Barbie" during question period last Wednesday.

"You know, if you haven't got the courage of your convictions then don't be saying things when the microphone is off," Blaney said to MacIntyre. "I heard that."

MacIntyre quickly rose and apologized to the house, and said he didn't mean to be sexist.

"It just sort of slipped out," MacIntyre said. "Life is like that, so, I apologized and I'm finished with that debate."

However, of all the speeches, debates and statements in the legislature last week, that one word grabbed the most attention.

Premier Shawn Graham said Friday he was not letting such remarks go unchecked.

"It's unacceptable, and as premier of the province of New Brunswick, I've given a stern warning to our government members that we have to maintain discipline," he said. "I know that it will not happen again."

Conservative MLA Kirk MacDonald said hedidn't buy MacIntyre's apology.

"Minister MacIntyre is singing the words of the hymn, but I'm not sure he's understanding their meaning," he said. "I do think that this is something that perhaps the premier should look into in greater detail and perhaps some sensitivity training is required."

The New Brunswick Conservatives are familiar with the topic of sensitivity training. Liberal Fredericton North MLA T.J. Burke, who is aboriginal, asked the Tory government members to take sensitivity training after a series of racially derogatory remarks were made. In one October 2004 instance,Burke was referred to as "Tonto" from across the floor.

The Liberals demanded the Conservatives take sensitivity training.