Essex MP Jeff Watson, August 5, 2014. (Photo by Adelle Loiselle.)Essex MP Jeff Watson, August 5, 2014. (Photo by Adelle Loiselle.)
Chatham

Watson's Behaviour Called Disgusting

Some are calling Essex MP Jeff Watson's behaviour in the House of Commons Tuesday rude, despicable and disgusting.

Watson began singing 'Space Oddity' by David Bowie during question period when Liberal MP Marc Garneau was asking about sexual misconduct in the military.

Federal Essex Liberal candidate Audrey Festeryga is calling for an apology. "I was absolutely disgusted that this is the representation that the riding of Essex has in Ottawa," she says. "This is the MP who we're paying a salary to? We have serious issues of misconduct, sexual misconduct in the military."

Watson declined a telephone interview with BlackburnNews.com, but did release this statement: "Whether as a father of young women, or as MP for Essex, I have worked to ensure passage of legislation to get tough on violent sexual offenders and their victims," the emailed statement reads. "Sexual misconduct in the military -- or anywhere for that matter -- is unacceptable. Any suggestion that I feel otherwise is pre-election politics."

Essex NDP candidate Tracey Ramsey says Watson showed a complete lack of respect. "How can Mr. Watson be so flippant about the issue of sexual misconduct? They are real victims and they deserve the utmost respect from our parliamentarians."

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