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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.

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