BREAKING: Rod Phillips apologizes for Caribbean vacation, says pre-recorded videos were not made to mislead public

"I wanted to take this opportunity to unreservedly apologize for my decision to travel over the holidays... I've disappointed no one more than myself."

ADVERTISEMENT
Image
Roberto Wakerell-Cruz Montreal QC
ADVERTISEMENT

Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips arrived home from his ill-considered Caribbean vacation Thursday morning, once again apologizing for his "dumb decision" to travel outside of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I wanted to take this opportunity to unreservedly apologize for my decision to travel over the holidays... I've disappointed no one more than myself."

"It was a significant error in judgment. A dumb, dumb mistake, I apologize for it, I regret it," Philips said at Pearson airport Thursday morning.

Phillips said that there was still a lot of work to be done in the province, and that he hopes to regain the public's trust in moving forward. He says that any decision on whether or not he will be fired will be up to the premier, and that he has not talked to Ford on the matter yet.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on Wednesday that he and Finance Minister Rod Phillips would have a "very tough conversation" on whether or not he would remain at his position.

Phillips also clarified that the pre-recorded videos published to his Twitter and other social media on Christmas Eve were not recorded with the intent of misleading the public.

"Many politicians use that pre-program. On Christmas Eve, they don't all tape their Christmas Eve greetings. They taped them before, that's what I did."

Yesterday, Ford said that he was "upset and frustrated" by the minister's decision to leave the country. Ford added that the trip was "unacceptable," and that he and the minister would have a "tough conversation" on his arrival.

The premier's office said on Tuesday that Ford was not aware of the minister's trip, and had learned of Phillips' trip after he had departed. On Tuesday, Ford said.

On Wednesday, Ford clarified that he did it fact know of Phillips' travels. "I did call him shortly after he arrived and I asked him and he said he was away."

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Join and support independent free thinkers!

We’re independent and can’t be cancelled. The establishment media is increasingly dedicated to divisive cancel culture, corporate wokeism, and political correctness, all while covering up corruption from the corridors of power. The need for fact-based journalism and thoughtful analysis has never been greater. When you support The Post Millennial, you support freedom of the press at a time when it's under direct attack. Join the ranks of independent, free thinkers by supporting us today for as little as $1.

Support The Post Millennial

Remind me next month

To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
ADVERTISEMENT
© 2024 The Post Millennial, Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Personal Information