N.L. tourism minister ‘sorry for any disappointment’ over ‘stumble’-filled speeches

After drawing the ire of some Newfoundland and Labrador residents, Tourism Minister Andrea Barbour is apologizing for gaffes made at memorial ceremonies in northern France.

Last week, while representing the province, Barbour spoke at two ceremonies at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial to mark 110 years since the battle killed hundreds of Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldiers.

On July 1, Barbour took to the podium placed beneath the eve of the caribou, where she delivered a six-minute speech and stumbled over several words.

“Thousands of kilometres west of here is the most eastern edge of Canada. The name Beaumont-Hamel is spoken with a sense of sadness but an even deeper sense of pride,” Barbour read out, with her eyes fixed on the pages she’d brought with her to the podium.

While she pronounced the first instance of Beaumont-Hamel correctly, at other times she struggled, at one point calling it the “Bo-ham ma-hamel” Newfoundland Memorial.

Another words she stumbled over include valour, instead saying “val-yur.”

Speaking on the evening of June 30 at the unveiling of the new replica Danger Tree, where many Newfoundland soldiers died during the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel, Barbour spoke to dozens of people gathered.

“On the battlefield of churned up mud, and shells of,” she said, then she paused, struggling to say the word shrapnel, instead saying “shur-pel.”

Not long after, Barbour once again stumbled over the same word, calling it “shar-pel,” then gave a laugh, said “sorry,” before then calling it “shur-pel.”

Clips of Barbour’s speech were shared online by a known Liberal supporter, and the post has generated comments questioning Barbour’s level of preparation ahead of the events.

It prompted people to voice disappointment with how Barbour represented the province at these memorial events held on an international stage.

CBC News asked for an interview with Barbour but spokesperson Emily-Jane Gillingham said the minister wasn’t available because she was travelling.

N.L. tourism minister says she’s sorry for disappointment she caused during ceremonies in France

A statement on Barbour’s behalf was provided, which included an apology and reiteration that Barbour understood the solemn occasion.

“She recognizes that some people felt aspects of her presentation and delivery did not meet the standard they expected for these occasions, and she is sorry for any disappointment this caused,” the statement reads.

While Barbour “may have tripped” in her speech, it said she was proud to represent the province and appreciated the significance of the events.

N.L.’s loss, sacrifice at Beaumont-Hamel remembered on both sides of the Atlantic — 110 years later

‘Newfoundland-made’ Danger Tree unveiled in Beaumont-Hamel ceremony

“She felt the full emotion of the occasion. This should not be about her,” said the statement, adding “any stumble in language” doesn’t represent how she feels.

This latest criticism comes only a few months after Barbour had already received backlash in connection to the regiment.

In April, she posted an AI modified photo of herself in front of The Rooms that removed the caribou statue, which represents Newfoundland’s role in the First World War, above its entrance. Instead there was a sign and a blue swish, resembling the Nike logo.

The incident also prompted Barbour to give an apology and she deleted the post.

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