ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Newfoundland and Labrador Lt.-Gov. John Crosbie
says he’s sorry if a joke he made about Pakistan and suicide bombers
offended anyone.

Crosbie joked during a recent ceremony for
cabinet ministers that a U.S. man feeling suicidal about the economy
called a hotline for help.

He said the man was transferred to a call centre in Pakistan where he was asked if he could drive a truck.

Crosbie got laughs at the time, but a local Pakistan students group said the joke was a shocking reference to stereotypes.

Premier Kathy Dunderdale said in a statement that the joke was “clearly inappropriate.”

Crosbie, a former politician who’s known for shooting from the lip, says he’ll choose his words more carefully in the future.