A member of Canada’s Parliament who made international headlines last month when he was recorded in the nude during a virtual session of the House of Commons got caught with his pants down again this week.
William Amos, a Liberal Party MP who represents a district (or riding) in western Quebec, acknowledged Thursday that he had “urinated without realizing I was on camera” while taking part in parliamentary proceedings the previous evening.
“While accidental and not visible to the public, this was completely unacceptable and I apologize unreservedly,” added Amos.
Amos said he would step away from his position as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry in order to “seek assistance.” His statement did not elaborate on what assistance he was seeking.
Amos, 46, explained away the first incident, on April 14, as “an unfortunate error,” claiming his video was accidentally turned on as he changed into his work clothes after a jog.
A screenshot of Amos, naked except for a well-placed smartphone, found its way into the press, prompting an outcry from his fellow Liberals.
Conservative Party Deputy House Leader Karen Vecchio called on the Speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota to investigate the matter Friday.
“It’s now clear that Trudeau’s Liberals failed in their duty to ensure a safe work environment following the first incident,” Vecchio said in a statement obtained by CBC News. “We can’t have more of this from Liberal members of Parliament and Conservatives will explore all potential options to ensure this never happens again.”
A spokesperson for Liberal Party Whip Mark Holland said Friday that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government would “take these matters extremely seriously.” A spokesperson for Rota told CBC the Speaker would be “reviewing the matter and return to the House if necessary.”
