A Liberal Party candidate in Alberta has apologized unreservedly for posting offensive tweets several years ago and announced she will no longer be running in Canada’s Oct. 18 federal election.
Ala Buzreba issued her apology after some tweets she posted as a teenager four years ago began circulating on Twitter, apparently dug up by Conservative supporters.
The 21-year-old had been running in the riding of Calgary-Nose Hill against Michelle Rempel, the former Minister of State for Western Diversification in Stephen Harper’s last government
“After the unfolding of today’s events, I have decided to step down as the Liberal candidate for Calgary Nose Hill,” Buzreba said in a Facebook message posted around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday local time, several hours after her apology.
In one tweet, she tells a strident defender of Israel: “Your mother should have used that coat hanger.”
In another, she tells a tweeter she deems a racist to “go blow your brains out you waste of sperm.”
In another, she reports that she just got her hair cut and looks “like a flipping lesbian.”
Buzreba said she has learned a lot of lessons about social media since she posted the comments and they do not reflect her thinking.
When asked about the comments during a campaign stop in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau said Buzreba made mistakes and apologized.
“When someone makes a mistake it is important that they own up to it and they apologize. Ala has unreservedly apologized for her comments,” Trudeau said.
“I think it is important to point out that she was a teenager and we all make mistakes, but I’m glad to see she has unreservedly apologized.”
He made the comments before Buzreba announced she was stepping down as a candidate.
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