Pat Martin speaks out on Liberal campaign co-chair resignation

WINNIPEG — NDP Winnipeg Centre incumbent Pat Martin spoke out Saturday, commenting on the Liberal campaign co-chair’s resignation.

Dan Gagnier “decided to take a step back” from his responsibilities just days before Canadians head to the polls after emailing TransCanada with tips on how the pipeline company should lobby a Liberal or NDP government.

Gagnier released a statement Wednesday night saying he wanted “to avoid becoming a distraction to the campaign.”

On Monday Gagnier sent five people at TransCanada Corp. an email advising them to target the right people in a new government as quickly as possible so they can help shape either Liberal or NDP decisions on a national energy strategy.

READ MORE: Trudeau calls Gagnier’s actions “inappropriate”

“We are disappointed that we only learned so late in the game that there is this undue influence going on in the liberal party,” said Martin. “I wasn’t surprised at all I suppose. Disappointed.”

Martin has represented the Winnipeg Centre riding since 1997 and has been no stranger himself to controversy during this federal election.

A forum in downtown Winnipeg got heated after Martin was heard saying “son-of-a-bitch” while being grilled by a Green Party candidate.

READ MORE: Pat Martin apologizes

The “son-of-a-bitch” remark came after Don Woodstock asked Martin how often he helps people with serious mental health issues outside his constituency office in Winnipeg’s inner city.

Martin accused Woodstock of insulting his staff, saying they help people in need on a regular basis. He could then be seen and heard muttering “son-of-a-bitch” as Woodstock continued to speak.