Ontario’s Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Andrea Khanjin is issuing an apology after her vehicle collided with a building that housed a childcare centre. She explained that she experienced a medical incident and will not be driving for the foreseeable future.
The Barrie Police Service reported that they were called to the scene of a single-vehicle crash at around 11 a.m. on July 19.
“A motor vehicle made contact with a building that contained a childcare facility in a plaza at the southwest corner of Huronia Rd. and Mapleview Dr. E,” the police informed The Epoch Times via email.
Although the vehicle and building sustained minimal damage, a glass pane in the building was broken.
No injuries were reported, and no charges have been filed. Due to the incident occurring on private property, the Highway Traffic Act was not applicable.
Ms. Khanjin took to the X platform to issue a public apology, revealing that she was 31 weeks pregnant with her second child at the time of the incident.
Related Stories
She mentioned that she was attempting to park her vehicle when the incident occurred.
“This experience has been incredibly challenging as I prioritize the safety of families in our community. I express my sincere apologies to all those affected,” she stated.
Ms. Khanjin confirmed that she sought medical attention and will abstain from driving in the coming days.
She described the incident as “very unfortunate.”
“I remained on-site, received assistance from first responders, and fully cooperated with the authorities,” she shared in her statement.
“I am grateful that there were no injuries and will offer my support to the business as it repairs its damaged property.”
She expressed gratitude to the first responders for their care, as well as to community members who reached out to check on her well-being.
The collision took place just two days before a community barbecue event for Ms. Khanjin, where photos on the minister’s Facebook page depict her engaging with attendees.
She previously served as a parliamentary assistant to the minister of the environment from 2018 to 2022. Her website notes that she is also the longest-serving deputy government House leader for the party, a position she has held since 2019.
The minister has also fulfilled roles as the parliamentary assistant to the minister of intergovernmental affairs and deputy government whip.
