Skip to main content

Judy Klassen pushes for government support for Bill 231 to address harrassment for elected municipal officials but gets no support from the govenrment

On Thursday June 14, Judy Klassen, Liberal MLA for Kewatinook, asked for government support for her Bill 231 which will provide protection from municipally elected officials who are subject to bullying and harrassment.   Bill 231 provides for a place for elected municipal councillors to report such bullying and harrassment and to have it addressed.   At the present time elected municipal councillors do not have this protection.   Sadly, in his response, the Minister of Finance avoided the question of whether he will support Bill 231.  Judy Klassen's question and the Minister's answer are below.  For more on Bill 231 see this link. 

Bullying and Harassment Prevention - Support for Bill 231

Ms. Judy Klassen (Kewatinook): I brought forward Bill 231 because all elected officials have no recourse, no one to turn to under any current legislation. We tried to express our concerns here, and as typical fashion, we victims are not believed, our concerns dismissed.
      My ancestors led me to here to ensure life is better for victims–nay, for survivors.
      I'm here to say to the First Minister, he will never have power over me. I have my coping tools. But I need for others to be assured they hold their own power. I need to ensure they have these types of tools and, as equally, to have recourse.

      Will this government support Bill 231, or when will they introduce their version?

Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Finance): Well, Madam Speaker, rejecting much of the premise of the member, we would remind that member and all members of the legislation of our no-wrong-door policy. This government has taken a strong stance. We need to make sure that everyone feels welcome, secure in coming to work for the Manitoba government. It's why we're disclosing now on an annual basis instances of harassment. We are tracking them.
      We are ejecting what was done before and we are transforming our system through being–just–clear with Manitobans and transparent about the process. We are taking steps; we are improving the processes, and we are going to do more.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Comparison between Manitoba and South Dakota shows dramatic impact of Physical Distancing

Manitoba implemented physical distancing measures in mid-March.  South Dakota has still not made physical distancing mandatory.   The result is a dramatic difference in the incidence of covid-19 viral infections between the two jurisdictions.   This graph shows the number of people with Covid-19 infections from March 27 to April 14.  Manitoba ( red line )  started leveling off about April 4 and has seen only a small increase in Covid-19 infections since then.   South Dakota ( blue line )   has seen a dramatic increase in Covid-19 infections since April 4.  Those who are skeptical of the impact of physical distancing in Manitoba should look at this graph! Data are from the Johns Hopkins daily tabulations
18 comments
Read more

Pushing for safe consumption sites and safe supply to reduce overdose deaths

  On Monday June 20th, Thomas Linner of the Manitoba Health Coalition, Arlene Last-Kolb Regional Director of Moms Stop the Harm and Winnipeg City Councillor Sherri Rollins were at the Manitoba Legislature to advocate for better measures to reduce deaths from drug overdoses, most particularly for safe consumption sites and for a safe supply, measures which can reduce overdose deaths.  
Post a Comment
Read more

Being able to participate matters - Let’s build a more inclusive, accessible Manitoba

Too often, our homes, buildings, and outdoor spaces are designed without sufficient consideration given to how they will impact little people, those with large bodies, or those with disabilities.  Manitoba should become a leader in designing and building new structures so they’re comfortable and accessible to all.  Further, the province needs to do more to adapt our existing infrastructure, so that it meets everyone’s needs.   The design of our built environment makes daily living a challenge for too many.  A friend, who uses a wheelchair, must call ahead wherever she goes to ensure she can enter a restaurant, store, salon, etc. A young person in River Heights has a struggle each fall to make sure that with his cerebral palsy he is able to get the support he needs to do well in school.  A large-bodied man I know has been bedridden for five months because he lacks access to a usable lift or wheelchair.  Samantha Trubyk, President of the Little People ...
Post a Comment
Read more