On non-apologies

The CP claims that Rona Ambrose has apologized for dismissing Quebeckers' concerns about the environment. But if it's possible to apologize more disingenuously or disrespectfully, I'm not sure how:

Environment Minister Rona Ambrose apologized Tuesday for saying that "Quebec is not really a concern to me" in developing plans to combat climate change.

"I'm very sorry if my remarks have been misintepreted," Ambrose told the Commons in response to a complaint from Liberal MP Lucienne Robillard. "I know Quebecers love their environment."

Naturally, Ambrose starts with the classic non-apology trick of implying that the fault lies with others misinterpreting her remarks. But just to go that extra mile in showing her disrespect for Quebeckers, Ambrose's comment goes on to turn their concern about the environment into a stereotype to be dismissed glibly, rather than anything worth taking seriously.

If there's any good news in Ambrose's apparent contempt for both Quebec and the environment, it's that it shouldn't be long before voters have a chance to pass judgment on Ambrose and her party. And Ambrose can't expect too many apologies if the Cons' dismissiveness now leads to their electoral downfall later.