Kincardine Councillor Dave Cuyler issued a statement concerning a vulgar comment he uttered during a meeting, saying that it “ was not directed at anyone other than myself.’’

In 2021, during the third round of a PGA tournament, Justin Thomas drew criticism for using a homophobic slur to express anger over a missed putt that had been picked up by a microphone.

“ It’s inexcusable. I’m a grown man and there is no reason for me to speak like that, ’’ a highly embarrassed Thomas apologized immediately after he finished the round.

As a result he lost sponsors, but Investment Bank Citi decided to keep his sponsorship under the condition that he be required to go through a training programme and donate a “meaningful portion’’ of his deal as part of an active role in LGBTQ causes.

It will be be interesting to hear what the local Integrity Commissioner determines to be appropriate consequences for Coun. Cuyler. Perhaps some sort of training programme and a donation to a local Women’s Centre would be in order here.

The erosion of public civil discourse must not be tolerated.

Shirley Holmes, Owen Sound