BC Conservative candidate apologizes for post about Palestinians

A BC Conservative candidate is under fire after an offensive comment he made online about Palestinians resurfaced. Brent Chapman, the Conservative candidate for Surrey-South, posted a Facebook comment in 2015, referring to Palestinians as “little inbred walking talking breathing time bombs.”

Late Wednesday, Chapman issued an apology for his remarks.

“The language I used and the sentiments I expressed at that time towards Palestinians and members of the Islamic faith were completely unacceptable,” he said in a statement. “They do not reflect who I am today or the respect and admiration I hold for the Palestinian and Muslim communities.”

He also offered "sincerest apologies to everyone hurt by my past words."

Before Chapman’s apology, Conservative Leader John Rustad stated that he would ask Chapman to apologize, noting that the comments do not align with the party’s values. However, Rustad said he would not ask Chapman to step down.

“As I said, he should apologize for those comments,” Rustad remarked. “I’ve got people on my campaign team who are Palestinian, and I know that would offend them, so I am expecting an apology…. After all, my chief of staff is Muslim.”

The National Council of Canadian Muslims has said it is reaching out to Chapman and will provide additional comments soon.