Roland Michaud will run as an independent candidate in Victoria-La Vallee after being ousted by the Progressive Conservatives. (Photo: Roland Michaud/Facebook)
Roland Michaud is asking voters in the northern New Brunswick riding of Victoria-La Vallee to give him a second chance.
Michaud was ousted from the Progressive Conservative Party on Monday after a transphobic social media post he reposted came to light.
The post, which no longer appeared on Michaud’s page as of Monday afternoon, made light of physical violence against transgendered women. It was first reported on Sunday by PressProgress.
“I’m a blue-collar ordinary guy, just like you, and ordinary people make mistakes,” said Michaud in a video posted to Facebook on Monday evening.
“I’ve admitted to that and I’ve apologized, but I’m only human, just like you, and I’m sure many of you have made mistakes over the years also.”
The 64-second video was posted just hours after PC leader Blaine Higgs announced the party would be cutting ties with Michaud.
Higgs told reporters late Monday afternoon that he could not endorse the promotion of messaging that is “clearly sexist, offensive, and hurtful to many people.”
“I especially cannot accept anything that incites violence against any community and I certainly cannot endorse that form of a person seeking public office,” said Higgs.
While Michaud has been tossed by the Progressive Conservatives, he still plans to run as an independent candidate in Victoria-La Vallee.
“I’m asking you to give me a chance. Give me a chance to prove that it won’t happen again. I’m still on the ballot for Victoria-La Vallee and I can still be the voice that you folks need,” he said.
Voters will head to the polls on September 14.
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