Inside Politics

UPDATED - Helena Guergis's Adventures on Prince Edward Island

by Kady O'Malley Posted: February 25, 2010 4:23 PM Last Updated: February 26, 2010 9:42 AM
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(Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

Oh, minister. What would Anne of Green Gables Do? Well, for one thing, she probably wouldn't refer to Prince Edward Island -- or possibly just the Charlottetown Airport, it's not entirely clear -- as a "hell-hole," as alleged in the following unsigned letter, which was sent to Liberal MP Wayne Easter earlier today, and has been making the rounds of Ottawa newsrooms all afternoon:

Note: Out of respect for the privacy of the employees named in this letter, we've decided to redact their personal information. 
For her part, the minister has issued a far less colourful apology, which does seem to confirm that there was some sort of unpleasantness during her visit to the Island: 

 "On February 19, I was rushing to catch a flight at the Charlottetown Airport and spoke emotionally to some staff members. Regardless of my workload and personal circumstances, it was not appropriate and I apologize to airport and Air Canada staff.

"It was certainly not my intention to create any additional stress for airport or Air Canada employees who already have a very difficult job. "My father was born in Summerside and many of my relatives still live on the Island, which I love and visit almost every year. To me, it is a very special place that demonstrates the best Canada has to offer. I wish to express my appreciation to all the hard-working people who make it so welcoming."

UPDATE: According to the Inside Ottawa Directory, the minister's birthday is, indeed, February 19th, 2010, which does lend a certain note of authenticity to the anonymous account. 




Tags: blackberry jungle, helena guergis