A former federal NDP candidate and Saskatchewan NDP staffer, Brian Sklar, is drawing criticism after saying Senator Denise Batters only has her job because her husband, former Conservative MP Dave Batters, committed suicide.
Sklar also ran for to represent Ward 10 on Regina’s city council in October, 2016. He lost to the incumbent, Jerry Flegel.
Sklar posted the following on the Senator’s Facebook page as part of a lengthy post: “Interesting, coming from a Harper troll… who is only sitting in the Red Chamber, because her husband, the MP, committed suicide”.
Batters responded through Facebook Wednesday, and said “my husband’s suicide is not a topic of discussion for you to score cheap and misinformed political points”.
“Especially galling is the fact that you would choose to make those comments the day before the anniversary of his death,” Batters’ post added.
“Take your vitriol elsewhere.”
Dave Batters took his own life in 2009 following a struggle with depression and addiction.
Interim Saskatchewan NDP Leader Nicole Sarauer was quick to denounce Sklar’s comments.
“There’s no room for that type of language or discourse in political discussion,” Sarauer said.
Sarauaer added that Sklar has not done any paid work for the NDP caucus since 2011. However he did volunteer services running audio equipment for the NDP on provincial budget day, March 22nd.
“He won’t be doing work for the party,” Sarauer replied when asked if Sklar might continue to work these odd jobs.
Sklar apologized to Batters on her Facebook page Wednesday night. The apology was accepted.
Sarauer said she will be speaking with Batters Friday about the issue.
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