3 mars 2004
Intentional or not, his firing addresses disrespectful and undermining attitude he has toward women
By firing VIA Rail chairman Jean Pelletier, Prime Minister Paul Martin has done the only thing he could to retain his credibility.
As a taxpayer and citizen, I expect Martin to stand by his words in encouraging people such as Myriam B�dard to come forward and reveal what they know about the sponsorship scandal.
Pelletier's vilifying remarks against B�dard attempt to draw attention away from her allegations regarding serious misconduct within VIA Rail involving the sponsorship funds. B�dard became aware of the wrongdoings while she was a VIA Rail employee.
For Pelletier to suggest that B�dard was lying about her discoveries, and to express that ``deep down ... I think she is pitiable" says more about Pelletier than B�dard.
Pelletier's comments defame a person of integrity. B�dard has been honoured for her superlative personal efforts as an athlete. She represented Canada with distinction at the world level. This requires a consistent commitment to personal excellence and self-sacrifice.
Even more deplorable and chilling is the exposure of misogyny at worst, and inexcusable ignorance and prejudice at best, among those running our higher institutions. Indeed, the comments are exceedingly offensive toward all women.
Intentional or not, Martin's firing of Pelletier addresses the disrespectful and undermining attitude toward women exemplified by Pelletier's outrageous comments.
Pelletier's attitude toward women is a national disgrace. It is time for Martin and all political and business leaders to take action to increase women's leadership roles in proportion to Canada's population. Women must have equal opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities, which are different from, and complementary to, those of men. We must learn to join our strengths and talents together if we are to create a strong and vibrant country.
Janina Fisher Balfour,
Kingston
page mise en ligne le 3 mars 2004 par SVP
