From bad to worse... Ottawa's mayor makes a baaad joke.

I've already blogged about some of the troubles of Ottawa's mayor. But I have to post about what could most charitably be described as an incredibly ill-advised attempt at humour by Mayor Larry O'Brien today.

O'Brien, for those of you not familiar with Ottawa civic politics, stands accused of two criminal offences related to allegations against him. It's been alleged that O'Brien met with another mayoral candidate, Terry Kilrea, and offered him both a payout of his campaign expenses and assistance obtaining a patronage appointment from the federal government if Kilrea withdrew from the mayoral race. It is claimed that O'Brien told Kilrea he had influence with the federal minister responsible for the region, John Baird, and that he would use that influence to Kilrea's benefit.

Kilrea did withdraw from the race, although he says he did not take up O'Brien on his offer, and O'Brien subsequently won the election (Kilrea supported the incumbent, Bob Chiarelli).

So. Background out of the way, today, the city of Ottawa launched a new web site promoting Ottawa's festivals. (We have a lot of 'em, from our world-leading Bluesfest to ... Lebanorama) O'Brien was on the speakers' list; in the audience was John Baird.

The celebrity guest was Luba Goy, a comedian and cast member of the Royal Canadian Air Farce, a long-running television comedy sketch show that will end next season. Goy apparently made a joke about needing a job during her bit.

Then, O'Brien took the podium, and said "I'd like also to thank Minister John Baird, if he's still in the audience, thank you very much, and maybe we should get together later to talk about a job for Luba." The clip is available for now at CBC Ottawa's News at Six web site. Until about 7:30 May 1, the show will be available. Scroll to about 23:30 to watch. According to one blogger, Baird left the event, visibly irritated at the comment.

I can't read O'Brien's mind, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt on motive and say that he wanted to make a joke, since a comedian was on the podium. This was not a good joke. In fact, his joke makes a mockery of criminal charges that he himself is facing, and which have involved a federal cabinet minister.

I hope that the Mayor makes a public apology for his flippant comment, and learns to take his office more seriously in the future. If he'd like some media training, I can give him a good rate.




Ciao,
Bob.