By Kim Zarzour
October 1, 2010
Premier Dalton McGuinty insulted Jewish residents of Thornhill when he suggested anyone looking to save money on hydro could do laundry Saturdays, according to Tory MPP Peter Shurman.
In Question Period this week, the Thornhill MPP and PC critic for economic development called on Premier McGuinty to explain his comment.
“Can the premier tell my constituents whether to do laundry before or after synagogue on the Sabbath?”
The comment showed a lack of understanding of the struggles of Thornhill families, Mr. Shurman said, and was an affront to Jews, who comprise 40 per cent of the riding — many of whom are observant and do not use hot water or laundry machines on the Sabbath.
“It was flippant and insensitive and the premier owes the Jewish community of Ontario a sincere apology.”
The premier, meanwhile, had formally communicated his best wishes on behalf of the Government of Ontario to members of the Jewish community as they marked the recent Yom Kippur — Day of Atonement — the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.
“I would like to commend the Jewish community for its many contributions — social, cultural and economic — to the rich fabric of our province,” he said.