Premier Tim Houston apologizes to Cape Breton: ‘I used a poor choice of words’
SYDNEY, N.S. — Premier Tim Houston has apologized for remarks made at a media briefing Monday suggesting Cape Breton’s local state of emergency was a “PR issue,” as well as other scathing words.
“The situation across certain regions of our province is horrific. What some people are going through — not being able to open their doors; roofs collapsing under the weight of the snow — It’s unimaginable. Our complete focus as a province is on digging people out and every possible resource is being put into this effort,” he said in a statement late Tuesday.
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“Yesterday, I made some unfortunate comments that took the conversation away from the important snow removal efforts that are happening. But, when I make a mistake, I will always own it. I used a poor choice of words. And I apologize for that.
“Yesterday, I made some unfortunate comments that took the conversation away from the important snow removal efforts that are happening. But, when I make a mistake, I will always own it. I used a poor choice of words. And I apologize for that.”
— Tim Houston
“My intention was just to make the public aware that resources were coming regardless of a state of emergency being in effect or not. For example, there is no state of emergency in Victoria County, but that will not impede them getting access to plows and support.”
In replying to a question from Cape Breton Post reporter Barb Sweet during the livestreamed Monday storm briefing about his dig at CBRM, he made further critical comments.
“It does not get a road plowed any quicker. So I guess what I am asking … is what is the state of emergency being used for?… And I think elected community leaders have a responsibility to do their best to calm fears and anxiety and not stoke it. … But spreading misinformation or stoking fear is extremely harmful and it’s unfair to Nova Scotians,” he said.
The Cape Breton Post had asked the premier’s office early Tuesday morning whether he was going to apologize. The apology was issued in a statement to the Post on Tuesday evening, after print deadline.
CBRM council approved the local state of emergency Sunday.
– Barb Sweet is a multimedia journalist with the Cape Breton Post. Follow her on X (Twitter) @BarbSweetTweets.
