Ron Ellsworth apologizes for comments about taxi safety perceived as 'insensitive'

St. John's Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth has issued an apology after facing criticism over comments he made to CBC News.

"My interview with the CBC on the issue of taxi safety has led to concerns that I am insensitive to women's issues and blaming women for placing themselves at risk when using taxi services," Ellsworth said in a statement issued late Wednesday afternoon.

"I offer a sincere apology and state for the record that nothing could be further from the truth."

On Wednesday, a CBC News investigation found that taxi industry regulations in St. John's appear to be among the least stringent in Atlantic Canada.

• CBC INVESTIGATES | Who's driving your cab? St. John's taxi trade put to the test
• CBC INVESTIGATES | No criminal background check, no worries: How I became a City Wide Taxi driver

Ellsworth told CBC there are no plans for the city to take responsibility for regulating cab drivers.

That task currently falls to taxi companies.

Status of Women Council reaction

One statement made by Ellsworth — "There is concern there but it's like everything else. You've got to be responsible for what you're getting into, you've got to understand what you're getting into." — generated specific criticism.

In a statement posted on its website, the St. John's Status of Women Council said that remark "perpetuates the harmful myth that if only women had done something different, made a 'better decision' they would not have been assaulted, and therefore they are at fault."

In his statement, Ellsworth said: "In no way would I ever blame or place responsibility on an individual who has been the victim of an assault by a taxi driver."

'More immediate and active role'

The deputy mayor added in his statement that "creating a safe environment for the general public is a priority, for all industries and services, and council is open to working with all stakeholders to provide a safer environment for taxi customers."

He added: "Clearly, the public would like for the city to take a more immediate and active role in taxi regulation, and I will ensure that this occurs."

The Status of Women Council had called Ellsworth's earlier comments to CBC about council not taking on a greater oversight responsibility "a very disappointing surprise."