Kitchener-Waterloo·Audio

Why is political hot water so tough to navigate?

Crisis communications adviser Conway Fraser cautions Liberal and NDP politicians against pointing the finger at Michael Harris and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. The shoe could just as well be on the other foot, he warns.

Lying after a transgression creates deeper problems for politicans, says advisor

Communications advisor Conway Fraser says politicians — regardless of party affiliation — tend to have trouble managing the skeletons in their closets. (Conway Fraser)

Criticism of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party has been quick and harsh following Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Michael Harris's removal from caucus.

Harris was booted late last week over allegations that text messages of a sexual nature, and related to a potential job, were sent to a former intern.

Liberal and NDP politicians were quick to criticize Harris and his party for how they handled the situation but Conway Fraser, a communications advisor with CrisisTether, says the shoe could just as well be on the other foot.

In the world of social media, Fraser says that the world has become one big "water cooler" and allegations travel fast.
His advice is to get out in front of a scandal — hit it head-on.

Trouble is, very few politicians ever follow that advice. You can hear it in the audio below.