Reality Check
September 10, 2008
Tony Clement claims he has not acted irresponsibly during the current food safety crisis.
Incredibly, Mr. Clement has actually said the crisis showed the effectiveness of Canada's food safety systems saying that despite the deaths "this is an example of where our surveillance system worked." (Toronto Star, August 26, 2008)
REALITY:
Two weeks ago, Health Minister Tony Clement chose to stay at the Democratic Convention in Denver, instead of returning to Canada at the outbreak of listeriosis crisis.
Mr. Clement even thought it was appropriate to make jokes about food safety during a cocktail party in Denver:
“The Canadian government sponsored a swish lunch reception at its consul- general's Denver residence. The food included bite-sized bits of beef, shrimp, tortellini and potatoes gratin. Health Minister Tony Clement, whose absence from Canada during the tainted meat crisis has not gone unnoticed, was there and introduced himself: ‘I'm Health Minister Tony Clement, and I have to say I approved this food.’” (Toronto Star, August 28, 2008)
Tony Clement cracks jokes about food safety
ISSUE:Tony Clement claims he has not acted irresponsibly during the current food safety crisis.
Incredibly, Mr. Clement has actually said the crisis showed the effectiveness of Canada's food safety systems saying that despite the deaths "this is an example of where our surveillance system worked." (Toronto Star, August 26, 2008)
REALITY:
Two weeks ago, Health Minister Tony Clement chose to stay at the Democratic Convention in Denver, instead of returning to Canada at the outbreak of listeriosis crisis.
Mr. Clement even thought it was appropriate to make jokes about food safety during a cocktail party in Denver:
“The Canadian government sponsored a swish lunch reception at its consul- general's Denver residence. The food included bite-sized bits of beef, shrimp, tortellini and potatoes gratin. Health Minister Tony Clement, whose absence from Canada during the tainted meat crisis has not gone unnoticed, was there and introduced himself: ‘I'm Health Minister Tony Clement, and I have to say I approved this food.’” (Toronto Star, August 28, 2008)
