The truth really is stranger than fiction.
Last week Pontiac MP Will Amos made more international headlines with his second video conference gaffe in as many months. This time was much more salacious, since he was alleged to have been . . .
urinating into a coffee cup while on a video call for a parliamentary committee.
Back in April, he appeared naked in a parliamentary video conference, which he claimed was due to him returning from a jog and changing into his work clothes without turning off his camera (why he would have logged into a video call before changing in front of his computer is anyone’s guess).
At the time, everyone was willing to take Amos at his word, and why wouldn’t they? He gave the public no reason to think that what occurred was anything but a silly accident. Many in the media rallied to his defence, publishing fawning puff pieces about how he would rather be talking about the upcoming (at the time) budget than his breach of conduct (A politician relentlessly staying on message? Shocker!).
The focus of the story became the release of his nearly naked photo without his consent, a blatant attempt to frame the issue as “revenge porn” rather than a public servant flashing his colleagues. A Bloc MP came forward and admitted to taking the screen shot but claimed that he had no idea how the photo ended up getting leaked to media (quite the fib).
This latest debacle should not be treated with the same kiddie gloves as the first faux-pas. A second blunder shows either a pattern of behaviour or unfathomable incompetence. Amos’ statement on the matter, released late on Thursday, was extremely vague. He will take a “temporary” leave from his parliamentary secretary and committee duties. He said he’d be seeking “assistance”, though it’s unclear what for. Also, why does he need to seek help after an action that he called accidental?
His office and riding association declined to comment further when contacted by this newspaper, leading to the big question, how does Pontiac move forward?
The secrecy shrouding this latest blunder makes it seem like maybe taking Amos at his word the last time around wasn’t the best idea.
How long should we wait in limbo for our elected representative to explain why he seemingly can’t handle videoconferencing? A week? Two?
If there is a reasonable explanation for this latest situation, then why have the Liberal spin-doctors been so tight-lipped?
If our MP needs step out from underneath the microscope that federal politicians are put under, then he should be able to do so, but that doesn’t mean that his constituents should be left in the dark.
If our ~$200,000/year elected official can’t be straightforward about his workplace conduct, does he deserve to represent Pontiac anymore?
There are some very pressing issues affecting this country, such as reintegrating society after a pandemic. Pontiacers don’t have the luxury of waiting on their MP to explain why he got caught with his pants down for the second time.
Caleb Nickerson
