Every year, Canadian journalists and political figures gather in the annual press gallery dinner. Think of it as the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, but with more subsidies and lower production value.
Elizabeth May, leader of the Green party and Macleans’ “Best Orator” in the 2014 Parliamentarian of the Year issue appeared to go on a alcohol-filled, profanity laced rant.
Instead of the usual self-deprecating, good natured comedy the party leaders partake in, May opted to denounce the Conservative government. Because she never gets the chance, y’know? According to attendees, May’s speech went off script and over time quickly. No, she did not yell at an empty chair like Clint Eastwood, but she did let everyone know how she thought Omar Khadr has “more class than the whole fucking cabinet.” There was no bleep or anything! A politician actually swore!
Other valuable insights from May included “Who knew Khadr is spelled K-H-A-D-R.”
During the whole debacle, the audience seemed to be cringing on a level not seen since Stephen Harper sang to Benjamin Netanyahu.
The background music didn’t help. What the hell was that– some intern’s Spotify playlist?
Journalist Paul MacLeod made a quick mention that “she also talked about her fake hip and the oral and anal stages of psychosexual development. I am somehow not joking.”
We wish we were joking, too.
The Minister of Transport, Lisa Raitt, tried to stay true to her position and get May the hell off stage before things got worse. It may have been a little too late. A full video is yet to be released, but we’re sure it’s fine and dandy.
In the words of Minister Raitt: Thank you Elizabeth, you have delighted us long enough.