Two Liberal party candidates are in hot water after controversial comments they made on social media surfaced this week.
Joy Davies, who was running in Vancouver's South Surrey-White Rock riding, resigned Thursday after she suggested in a series of Facebook posts from 2013 and 2014 that marijuana decreases domestic violence and poses no ill effects to children.
At a campaign stop in Vancouver, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said that Davies’ views do not reflect his personal stance, nor that of the party.
A statement released by the party later on Thursday, echoed Trudeau's comments and said that a new candidate will be found to represent the riding.
Davies explained her resignation in a , saying that she did not want the controversy to detract from the Liberals attempt to form a new government.
"My personal opinion and past comments should not distract from what is most important right now: Ensuring all Canadians receive the real change and new leadership they deserve," wrote Davies.
The former city councillor in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., wrote in a 2013 Facebook post that "there is no harm in our children being in a home where cannabis is growing."
"The fact that law enforcement and government rip children out of the arms of their parents that grow pot is the harm. This must stop," wrote Davies.
Davis also wrote in a that the Canadian Cancer Society is an "outlet for big pharma" and criticized the organization for their lack of research on medical marijuana.
on Facebook from Davies suggested that marijuana use could prevent domestic violence.
"In a nutshell, more pot=less domestic violence in married couples," wrote Davies in 2014.
Davis was also quoted in an interview citing a study that suggested pregnant women could smoke marijuana without risk.
The comments drew harsh words from Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, who was speaking at a campaign stop in Saint John, N.B.
"This is the kind of thing that comes with Justin Trudeau's advocacy of the full legalization of marijuana. It is totally irresponsible," said Harper.
Earlier Thursday, Liberal candidate Chris Brown issued an apology after offensive comments he made on social media six years ago resurfaced on Twitter.
Brown, who is running for office in the Alberta riding of Peace River-Westlock, used derogatory language to refer to women in tweets from 2009.
Brown issued a statement saying that the comments were "inappropriate and do not reflect the level of professionalism exemplified by those running for office."
Brown said that in 2009, he lost his partner in a car accident involving a drunk driver and his "emotional anguish" led to an "alcohol dependency problem."
"This was an extremely difficult time for me personally and something I do not wish upon anyone," he said in the statement.
Brown added that his condition led to his "complete lack of judgement when posting on social media."
CTV Parliamentary Correspondent Richard Madan tweeted on Thursday that Brown will not resign in light of the incident.
At a campaign stop in Vancouver, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said that Brown has been forgiven by the party.
"Chris Brown in northern Alberta has posted a heartfelt apology online. (He) explains the circumstances and the difficult time he went through, and the Liberal party has accepted his apology," said Trudeau.
The offensive tweets have been deleted, but images were posted to Twitter on Wednesday.
WARNING: These contain offensive language.
With files from CTVNews.ca’s Josh Dehaas
