McIver to investigate after PC executive mocks weight of Alberta Health minister

Alberta Progressive Conservative Leader Ric McIver says he will investigate disparaging comments made by a party executive member about Health Minister Sarah Hoffman's weight.

McIver said Monday he first wants to discuss the issue with Jordan Lien, but says political debate always needs to remain respectful.

"Comments on policy are always acceptable. Negative personal comments I'm not in favour of," McIver said, minutes after he and his eight-member caucus were sworn in at the legislature.

"I will have a discussion with the author of the comments.

"This has got to be a respectful place. All Albertans are equal. All Albertans must be respected. All Albertans must be treated with dignity.

"If a member of our party has fallen short, we will be having a discussion about correcting that in the future."

Lien is a vice-president in charge of southern Alberta for the PC party.

On the weekend, Lien criticized Hoffman's decision to extend a ban on flavoured tobacco to menthol products. In a Facebook post he parenthetically referred to Hoffman as "morbidly obese."

Lien could not be reached for comment Monday. But as outrage over his remarks flourished on social media, he posted an apology on his Twitter account.

"I recognize I made a dumb comment. I apologize to Sarah Hoffman and all who read it for my insensitive remark. Once again, I'm sorry," read the Tweet.

A spokesman for Hoffman declined to comment.

This is the second time that social media postings have incited concern and criticism since Premier Rachel Notley and the NDP won the May 5 election.

Last month, NDP member Deborah Drever was booted from caucus over a comment she posted months earlier on social media and which the party called homophobic.

Drever has apologized and sits as an Independent.