Canada MP sorry for Catherine McKenna 'climate Barbie' remark

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Catherine McKenna, Canadian minister of environment, in New York on September 19, 2017Image source, Reuters
Image caption,
Catherine McKenna said sexist comments would not stop women taking part in politics

A Canadian Conservative MP has apologised after referring to environment minister Catherine McKenna as "climate Barbie".

Gerry Ritz made the comment on Twitter during an online exchange over a climate-change report.

The tweet provoked a furious response from Liberal MPs and others, and was later deleted.

Mr Ritz apologised, saying his comments were "not reflective of the role the minister plays".

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He had taken to Twitter following a report about targets set out in the Paris climate-change accord not being met by major industrialised nations.

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In a reply to other Twitter users, he had written: "Has anyone told our climate Barbie!"

Mrs McKenna fired back: "Do you use that sexist language about your daughter, mother, sister?"

"We need more women in politics. Your sexist comments won't stop us," she added.

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In parliament, House leader Bardish Chagger said there was "no room for that kind of ignorance in Canadian politics".

"Sexism is unacceptable," echoed Heritage Minister Melanie Joly.

Mr Ritz, who represents a constituency in the province of Saskatchewan, recently announced he was leaving politics after two decades.