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Election run snuffed out by Wildrose candidate’s 'brown people’ comment

A verbal gaffe caught on a podium microphone has cost a member of Alberta’s Wildrose party his candidacy in the next provincial election.

CALGARY — A verbal gaffe caught on a podium microphone has cost a member of Alberta’s Wildrose party his candidacy in the next provincial election.

Bill Jarvis, who had been slated to run in Calgary-South East, was on stage with fellow Wildrose members at a Calgary hotel on Saturday night before an address from newly elected leader Brian Jean (GENE).

He is seen on a media outlet camera saying — quote — “we need lots of brown people in the front,” apparently without knowing the mic was live.

Jarvis resigned from the party on Sunday and apologized for his comment in a statement.

He also said he recognizes that his remark might have caused offence.

Jean said in a statement, also released on Sunday, that Jarvis agreed to resign.

“The comment was disrespectful and while I accept that Mr. Jarvis did not intend to insult, I will not accept inappropriate statements that fail to show respect for all Albertans. I have asked Mr. Jarvis to step down and he has agreed.”

Jean, a 52-year-old lawyer from Fort McMurray, Ata., defeated two challengers on the weekend to become Wildrose’s new leader. He edged out current Wildrose member Drew Barnes and former Strathcona County mayor Linda Osinchuk. (Global Calgary, CHED, The Canadian Press)