Harper urged to remove MP John Williamson over 'whities' comment

Liberal MP JohnMcCallum says the prime ministershould remove New Brunswick MP John Williamson from the Conservativecaucus following Williamson's comments about"whities" and "brown people" in the temporary foreign worker program.

In question period Thursday, McCallumaccused Stephen Harper of remaining silent on Williamson's comments, which were madelast weekend.

He said Harper was giving in to "racist sentiments within his own party."

• John Williamson faces heavy criticism over 'whities' comment
• Williamson apologizes for 'offensive' comment on foreign workers program

Williamson told delegates at a conference in Ottawa that it makes no sense to pay "whities" to stay home while companies bring in "brown people" as temporary foreign workers.

The New Brunswick Southwest MP later apologized "unreservedly" on Twitter for his "offensive and inappropriate language."

Williamson attended question period on Thursday, but PierrePoilievre, the minister of employment and social development, responded toMcCallum'scomments instead.

Poilievreignored McCallum's remarks and referred insteadto complaints made by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs about a speech by Justin Trudeau, in which the Liberal leader comparedCanadas immigration policy for Jews during the Holocaust to present-day fear-mongering about Muslims.

Williamson,a former director of communications for Harper,has called his comments about temporary workersthe biggest mistake of his political career.

On Wednesday, New Brunswick member of the legislative assembly John Ames, also a Liberal, introduced a motion to condemn Williamson's comments and called them racially charged.