Peterborough Mayor Defends Use of Profanity Amidst Pandemic Protest Controversy
As the protests against the COVID-19 mandate continue, Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien has sparked controversy with her use of profanities on social media. In a series of tweets, Therrien claimed she uses profanities because she's a fan of them, doubling down on her stance by saying she would use them again. The Mayor's comments have divided the community, with some supporting her and others urging her to tone it down.
Key Takeaways:
- Therrien used profanities on Twitter to respond to protesters who tried to arrest city police officers, stating she would use them again.
- The Mayor argued that using profanities is a way to call out the protesters' disrespect, comparing them to "imbeciles" and saying they exist in a "delusional world".
- Therrien appeared on CBC Radio's "As It Happens" and CBC-TV's "Power and Politics" program, doubling down on her stance.
- The Mayor cited her master's degree as evidence she can use scholarly language when needed, but prefers to use profanities to convey her message.
- The use of profanities has sparked an ethics investigation last year, with exoneration from the Mayor.
- Therrien's approach has been met with both support and criticism, with some urging her to tone it down.
- The Mayor emphasized that the bigger issue is the protesters' intent to cause harm and disruption, rather than her language.
Statistics:
- 30 people assembled at the police station in protest, led by Frank Curtin.
- 4 protesters have been arrested, including one who was injured during the arrest.
- The Special Investigations Unit has launched an investigation into the incident.
- The pandemic protests have been ongoing for over two years, with heightened tensions during the pandemic's height.
Sources:
- Ruth Belay, "Mayor Diane Therrien defends language used to describe demonstrators," CBC News, [date not specified]
- Examiner Staff, "Mayor Diane Therrien responds to pandemic protest controversy," The Examiner, 2023-02-24.