Replying to @DavidRayAmos@alllibertynews and 49 others Methinks the ladies doth protest too much perhaps Madame Rogers should ask all the good old boys why I am about to sue Fat Fred City N'esy Pas?
More women needed in municipal politics, says political panel
52 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David R.
Amos Methinks the ladies doth protest too much N'esy Pas?
David R.
Amos Methinks Madame Rogers should ask all the good old boys why I am about to sue Fat Fred City N'esy Pas?
David R.
Amos I
have been wrong before but methinks the corporation known as
Fredericton reports to the very corrupt Yankee SEC just like the
Corporation known as Canada does N'esy Pas?
David R.
Amos
Reply to @David R.
Amos: Methinks it blatantly obvious that Mr Higgs filed his speech with
the SEC nearly 4 months ago N'esy Pas?
Ben Haroldson Nothing worse than whining political wannabees.
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Ben Haroldson: I Wholeheartedly Agree Sir
James
Risdon It boggles the mind that someone with a political science degree can feel a municipal council is "foreign" to her.
It really makes me question the value of a political science degree if
someone who has one doesn't even understand municipal politics.
Incidentally, how was this panel chosen and who were the people on it
that they came to these conclusions with apparently no evidence to back
up their claims? Why should I pay any attention at all to the views of
these people?
I took a bunch of political science courses at a university too. I also
reported on municipal, indigenous band, provincial and federal politics
and current affairs for about a decade and won journalism awards. I've
even run for office in three elections, two municipally and one
provincially.
And yet, I wasn't invited to sit on this CBC panel.
Mind you, I'm a man. So maybe that disqualifies me in the eyes of the CBC from having a valid thought on women in politics.
David R.
Amos
Reply to @James
Risdon: Methinks whereas you often proclaim to know the game far better
than I there is no need to play dumb N'esy Pas?
Rosco Holt They talk representation....
I would like that those that we elect actually represent the people, not
just those with money. More women is ok has long has they are competent
and work for the people.
Mark (Junkman) George
Reply to @Rosco holt:
No one is saying there should be any restrictions on who decides to run,
or get elected to, public office. There was a time you had to own
property to do so, but that time is past. No, these folks are expecting
"special treatment" of some kind, though I do not know of any that could
be offered that would not disadvantage somebody. I think the way things
are set up now treat EVERYONE fairly.
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Mark
(Junkman) George: I ran for public office six times thus far yet CBC
never mentioned me until the elections were over even when I mentioned
that fact in a lawsuit against the Queen. Methinks that was not fair
N'esy Pas?
Mark (Junkman) George
Reply to @David R. Amos:
1) you had the freedom and opportunity to run, just like everyone else no matter their gender, colour, language, or ability.
2) as we both know, if you are looking to the CBC for fairness, you will be looking a long time.
3) having not seen TV for quite a while, is "Canada's trusted news source" still a lead-in for the CBC late news?
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George:
1) True
2)True
2) You don't need a TV There are other media outfits Google Fundy Royal Debate
Michel Jones Did
the panel consider that women might not like politics as much as men,
overwhelmingly more women are in nursing, could it be women like nursing
more than men? What about brick layers, 99% men.. Ever wonder why? I
have a hunch, in a society that allows everybody equal choice you will
see women and men display their true self with less inhibition, what a
country... Gender or race politics can change that but not on my watch.
Mark (Junkman) George
Reply to @Michel Jones:
The "panel" had only one thing to consider, that thing being "women in
politics", so nothing else, including plain common sense, was
involved/considered.
David R.
Amos Reply to @Michel Jones: Methinks the only thing you seem to care about is how I spell N'esy Pas?
David R.
Amos Reply
to @Mark (Junkman) George: Methinks common sense in politicking is such
a rare thing that most folks would not know how to discuss it N'esy
Pas?
Mark (Junkman) George "You
can't have any real change in the culture of an institution or a body
without roughly 30 per cent or more women in place. You're just not
going to make that change in the culture."
Do we need a change?
A change into what exactly?
Why?
There is an "agenda" being pushed here. If the current situation works why would someone wish to change it? Who gains?
Evelyn Gaudreau
Reply to @Mark
(Junkman) George: Consider that women make up approximately 51 % of the
population, and since the government does not reflect that fact, you
must realize that the current situation is not representative of the
population, and thus could be improved.
Mark (Junkman) George
Reply to @Evelyn Gaudreau:
"thus could be improved."
But you did not answer a single one of my questions. Improved how?
Improved why? Who gains? Are we trying to "fix" something that is not
broken? What about disabled folks? How about gender challenged folks? Do
we include colour, or race in this "improvement"?
Or
do we just leave things as they are, leaving everyone the right to run
for office, allowing them to choose for themselves, and stop trying to
force an issue that requires no forcing?
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Evelyn
Gaudreau: Methinks folks are voted into public office by 100 percent of
the population who bother to vote N'esy Pas?
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: Good luck getting a straight answer
Mark (Junkman) George
Reply to @David R. Amos:
Because there is no "straight answer". Someone somewhere has decided to
push an agenda of BS on us and we're supposed to suck up this BS as if
it is the truth.
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: Methinks this political game involving much BS is as old as peoplekind N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin Yeah
lets remove all right to people from getting a chance to get
elected...Seriously if you cant take the heat get out of the kitchen.
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Marc Martin: Methinks many folks would love to see you try to get elected N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell Agree
there should be more women. First though they need to run . That's why
it's called an election. Rather than sit back , complain , and put blame
on others, step up , do their Civic duty, AND RUN !!!!! Very simple !
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: So you say, Methinks its time we see you do so N'esy Pas?
Matt Steele If
the ladies have a Law Degree ; give Dominic LeBlanc a call , maybe he
will get them appointed as Judges if they are political friends of his .
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Methinks its interesting that you can post such things N'esy Pas?
Terrance Thomasen The
question I ask is Why? Why do we need more women on council? Does Your
genitalia make you a better Councillor? I'm pretty sure mine doesn't.
Quotas just mean less qualified people will get the job.
Evelyn Gaudreau
Reply to @Terrance Thomasen: Why? Simply put to be more representative of the population.
Terrance Thomasen
Reply to @Evelyn
Gaudreau: And how is that a good thing. You've just been brainwashed by
diversity loving Liberals to believe that if things aren't equal they
are bad. Competency doesn't have a gender.
SteveRyan
Reply to @Evelyn Gaudreau:
And how far do we go with this representation? How many people of each
skin colour, do we insist on a percentage of natives, handicapped
people, redheads and blondes?
David R.
Amos Reply to @Terrance Thomasen: "Competency doesn't have a gender."
Methinks Trudeau and Scheer prove the fact they have none on a daily basis N'esy Pas?
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Evelyn Gaudreau: Yea Right
Larry LeBlanc The next step from declaring minimum requirements is to move to mandatory.
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Larry LeBlanc: Methinks many a true word is said in jest N'esy Pas?
Donald Gallant More women are not needed.
Better candidates would be the best plan.
Recalling and then re-elections of poor ones would be a start.
Evelyn Gaudreau
Reply to @Donald
Gallant: more representative institutions are needed. The male
priviledge is like the white priviledge, the ones who benefit deny it
even exist.
SteveRyan
Reply to @Evelyn Gaudreau:
Are you running an election soon? Please let us know because I would never vote for someone with your views on society.
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Donald Gallant: I agree
David R.
Amos
Reply to @SteveRyan: Nor I
Daryl Doucette Methinks kate rogers is too thin skinned for politics... apparently she has found that out.
David R.
Amos
Reply to @daryl doucette: Methinks we agree again N'esy Pas?
Rosella
Melanson Bravo, CBC for this political panel.
Michel Jones
Reply to @Rosella
Melanson: The one thing this article does is display the lack of
historical knowledge about socialism university educated people are..
They should learn more about how these ludicrous idiologies end up being
extremely violent for any society that has tried it.. But you are right
about one thing Rosella, CBC did the right thing to show both side of
an issue, good observation.
Mark
(Junkman) George
Reply to @Michel Jones:
But Michel, both sides of what?
The smart side and the stupid side?
Personally I do not see "an issue" here. As things now stand EVERYONE
starts off equal, should that be changed? Once changed who becomes
disadvantaged?
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Mark
(Junkman) George: Methinks all most folks noticed was dumb and dumber
yapping all week about something that simply doesn't matter in Canada
N'esy Pas?
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: Methinks you enjoyed the circus around the old jail in my hometown yesterday N'esy Pas?
Rosella Melanson Bravo, Ms Rogers. Can New Brunswick have a talk?
David R.
Amos
Reply to @Rosella Melanson: What have they been doing?
Replying to @DavidRayAmos@alllibertynews and 49 others Methinks
I should be astounded to read Leanne Fitch's Tweet after the comment I
made about her my Harley and the Queen yesterday but I am not Everybody knows I love a circus
N'esy Pas?
Only woman on Fredericton council sometimes feels 'run over by a truck'
130 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David R. Amos Methinks
I should be astounded to read Leanne Fitch's Tweet after the comment I
made about her yesterday but I am not Everybody knows I love a circus
N'esy Pas? "On Twitter, Fredericton's former police chief Leanne Fitch said she was
proud of Rogers for speaking out. Fitch said accountability for
misogyny is long overdue at city council"
David R. Amos Methinks we are suffering from Deja Vu N'esy Pas?
Mark (Junkman) George Reply to @David R. Amos:
OH! "We are suffering alright", but it's not quite deja vu, more like
indigestion after a feed of burritos, and waiting for what comes
tomorrow.
Marc Martin *Kate
Rogers says some members of council roll their eyes when she raises
gender issues. * Has they should, people elect the counselors geez, what
are we now supposed to do suppress votes so we can get more women on a
city council, this is non-sense.
Jared Henderson
Reply to @Marc Martin: wow...I never thought i'd see the day...I am completely in agreement with you on this one Marc
David R. Amos
Reply to @Jared Henderson: Methinks maybe he wants to run for a seat on the council to speak for the PANB N'esy Pas?
Greg Windsor Am
I wrong or are not the councilors elected by the people, as in a
democracy? Do the people not elect whom they wish......will a law be
passed that a woman MUST be elected even though she did not put her name
forward...... this story makes no sense to me whatever....
Mark (Junkman) George
Reply to @Greg Windsor:
It appears Greg, that one of the Fredericton town councilors does not
feel that she is being treated equally, fairly, or with respect. She has
come to the conclusion that this is because she is the only woman on
town council, it certainly would have nothing to do with anything she
says, or does.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: Methinks thou doth jest just enough N'esy Pas?
Mark Curran 2016 Census
Males - 27,655
Females - 30,565
Total lone-parent families by sex of parent
Female parent 2,230
Male parent 455
Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: Hard telling not knowing
Bob Steele The best evidence for the type of sexism that Rogers describes can be found in half the comments below - despicable!
David R. Amos
Reply to @Bob Steele: And in the other half???
Mark (Junkman) George Reply to @Bob Steele:
But, but, but Bob. Is it "sexism"? Male, or female, dumb as a bag of
rocks ALWAYS gets "an eye roll" from me, I'm an "equal opportunity eye
roller", as are most, and most times it all comes down to engaging one's
mouth before they engage their brain.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mark (Junkman) George: I concur
Jim Redmond Ugh, not again.
Emilien
Forest
Reply to @Jim Redmond: Ugh, not again, ...again.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Emilien
Forest: Again methinks the ladies are playing politics. When I heard a
voicemail recording of Minister Cardy's wife played by CBC this morning I
knew this little circus was far from over. Sure enough a few hours
after yesterday's comment section closed a new article appears Surprise
Surprise Surprise N'esy Pas?
Mark
Curran Female police chief calls Fredericton gov misogynistic.? You had the top job lady?!! No wonder it was a mess all the time
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mark
Curran: Methinks it interesting that CBC allows to you post such a
statement after so many of mine went "Poof" N'esy Pas?
Johnny
Horton I once worked in an all female but me office. I’m well aware of how much eye rolling can go on when a lone male speaks...
James Risdon
Reply to @Johnny
Horton: Yeah, I know what you mean. I've worked in both all-male and
all-female environments. Now, the work crews that were all-male did have
a lot of vulgarity and disrespectful language about women. But, then
again, so did the all-female workplaces. I remember one workplace where
some of the female employees would gossip and criticize one of the other
women, saying she looked like a stripper, and then a few days later
would exchange all the details about the intimate relations they had
enjoyed with men in one-night stands while at the office. Men and women,
it seems are truly equal in their level of disgusting depravity.
David R. Amos
Reply to @James
Risdon: Methinks anyone with two clues between their ears know that
misandry and misogyny are as old as peoplekind If they did not you just
proved it for them N'esy Pas?
James Risdon It's politics. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
The number of women on council is a function of how many women offer
themselves up as candidates during the elections and who the good people
of Fredericton elect. It is certainly not up to a city councillor to
start disrespecting the mandate of her fellow councillors just because
she has a problem with their gender. They were elected just like her and
have every right to be there.
When people start interfering with the democratic process just to
fulfill and ideological position and to gain attention for themselves,
we the voters should be very afraid.
David R. Amos
Reply to @James
Risdon: Methinks the lady doth protest too much However to be fair she
was elected and you and I were not N'esy Pas?
Gabriel Boucher The
comment section here just shows how ignorant some men are when it comes
to patriarchy. Qualifications means nothing nowadays and hasn't meant
anything for a long time before that. It's all about connections, and
the only connections available right now are straight white males who
doesn't want anything to do with women or any other minority groups.
That's patriarchy for you folks. Wake up and smell the roses, because
it's still happening everywhere in 2019 right here in NB. I'm expecting a
lot of thumbs down with this comment from straight men. Let's see how
many ignorant people there are, shall we?
James Risdon Reply
to @dave ess: Well, I can't speak for all of us "old men" - I missed
the last meeting of our Patriarchy And World Domination R Us Club - but I
can say that I have a university degree, two college diplomas, a sales
course certificate and a certificate of military service with an
honourable discharge. I speak two languages, have built about half a
dozen fully-responsive, SEO'd websites, and have won awards of
excellence from professional associations in my industry and two other
awards from the president of one of the international companies where I
worked for proposals which boosted operational efficiencies. Outside of
work, I've founded and managed sports teams, sat on boards, been a bit
of an activist for specific environmental initiatives. I like loving,
Christian women, puppies, guitars, and craft beers as well as good
steaks and spirited conversations with loyal friends. My favourite
colour is green. Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. Amen. ;-)
David R. Amos Reply to @James Risdon: Methinks many would agree that you ain't as special as you think you are N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Content disabled Methinks
I should be astounded to read Leanne Fitch's Tweet after the comment I
made about her yesterday but I am not Everybody knows I love a circus
N'esy Pas?
Jim
Redmond When
I saw the headline, I said to myself "ugh, not again" --- then that was
in the article --- funny. Anyway, if she can't take politics, she might
want to consider another vocation --- politics is tough and it has
nothing to do with what gender you are.
David R. Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Jim
Redmond: Methinks the ladies are playing politics. When I heard a
voicemail recording of Minister Cardy's wife played by CBC this morning
I knew this little circus was far from over. Sure enough a few hours
after yesterday's comment section closed a new article appears Surprise
Surprise Surprise N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Reply to @Jim Redmond: Methinks something went "Poof" N'esy Pas?
Jared Henderson In
this comment section: males complaining about a woman talking about
potential problems around misogyny, and not realizing the irony.
James Risdon Reply
to @Jared Henderson: I can vouch for that. Politics is indeed a dirty
game. When I ran for the mayoralty of the City of Bathurst a few years
back, I was the only candidate whose signs were stolen during the night.
Not defaced or vandalized. These people yanked entire signs driven well
into the ground with a sledgehammer, out of the dirt and carried them
off. The local police said it was the only such type of election
interference in the city that year. In coffee shops and workplaces,
whisper campaigns were undertaken to undermine my position on the
issues. It was learning experience for sure. I can see how many people
who go into politics would get more than a little disgusted by the
experience. I sort of knew what to expect going in and even I found it
difficult. You run for office because you want to make a difference and
improve your community but a lot of people will tar and feather you and
do everything they can to ruin your reputation so that their candidate
will beat you.
David R. Amos
Reply to @James Risdon: I am shocked to learn this
Lou Bel Perhaps
the question should be asked of other women why they're not running.
Always easy to blame the male gender , and yet if changed is the goal
perhaps it's where you're not looking.
Candy Parker Reply
to @Lou Bell: They are not running for the very reason Kate is
speaking out - no one deserves to be disrespected or "eye rolled" at in
any setting
Marc Bourque
Reply to @Candy Parker: so she says. Did you witness this or are taking her at her word?
Mark Curran
Reply to @Candy Parker: Allegedly.
Travis Micheal Davis
Reply to @Candy Parker: sure they do; if they deserve it... eye roll
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Candy Parker:
I’m sure as a male Charles Leblanc has gotten lots of eye rolls from councillors,
Mark Curran
Reply to @Candy
Parker: Women make difference choices in life and dont share her
aspirations to be supreme ruler of Fredericton.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Candy Parker:
Let me guess, a woman has never eye rolled at a man before,
David R. Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
YO Lourdes Methinks the obvious question is you don't you run? You seem
to think you know so much about everything and laugh at the six times I
have run thus far N'esy Pas?
Josef Blow Reply
to @David R. Amos: No one should laugh at anyone who has the courage to
run. Which is not to say that some people who run actually deserve
popular support. Positions and personalities are, after all, sometimes
laughable.
Fredericton's lone female councillor calls out city hall for proposed all-male committee
92 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
McKenzie
King So
if she's the lone female, does that mean she wants to serve on every
committee??? This doesn't seem fair to the other councillors, or to the
people who would probably want the best qualified people on each
committee. If she doesn't want to serve on every committee, why is she
complaining about this one???
Evan Day
Reply to @McKenzie
King: It isn't a committee of councillors. And even if you were correct,
you're assuming she wouldn't be the best qualified. You should try
reading the article.
David R. Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Evan Day: Methinks we can't be certain a liberal ghost can read N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos: Tut Tut Tut
Marilyn Carr cant
wait to vote out Mike O. he has been a disappointment since his 1st
week on the job ...announcing he was going to make Fredericton a
sanctuary city....he will never get my vote for destroying Fredericton's
trees ect.
Graham McCormack
Reply to @Marilyn Carr: Love these comments, they tell a lot about people.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Graham McCormack: Me Too
Michel Jones
Reply to @David R. Amos: N'esy Pas !!
Murray
Brown The
question is... Are any of them qualified to make development decisions
in that area of the city, or any area? They already accepted a
harebrained design concept from a Toronto firm for the downtown core.
That turned into a complete disaster. The master plan called for
buildings being built in a floodplain and cutting off the river view
from public Library... Seriously... Check out that 'master' plan and see
how messed up it is... They approved it. That should disqualify them
all from working on any planning committees.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Murray
Brown: "The question is... Are any of them qualified to make development
decisions in that area of the city, or any area?"
NOPE
Emilien
Forest Best qualified only, regardless of what you look like.
Rose
Michaud
Reply to @Emilien
Forest: "Rogers said there were several qualified female candidates".
Obviously they were either dismissed or overlooked. By men.
Emilien
Forest
Reply to @Rose
Michaud: Those chosen should be done by the appropriate methods and not
by the opinion of one bitter individual.
Johnny
Horton
Reply to @Rose Michaud:
Did you miss where the poster said BEST qualified. You have a list of
conditions, experiences etc, you rank them, select the best. It’s rare a
tie will happen with a good point system.
Rose
Michaud
Reply to @Johnny
Horton: I actually put my name in for 3 years in a row for a committee. I
actually have tons of experience relevant to the committee. Not once
was I contacted. Guess what, only men were added, most developers that
would have a conflict of interest. That is typical of the selection
process in Fredericton. If there's nothing wrong with this process then
how come no women ever get pick? It's worth checking in to.
Emilien
Forest
Reply to @Rose
Michaud: I guess you not as good as you think you are. Throwing your hat
in the ring does not make you BEST qualified.
Rose
Michaud
Reply to @Emilien
Forest: HA! I'm being dismissed and you haven't even seen my
qualifications. Remember these are volunteer committees, not jobs.
And I know the persons who did get on the committees, they were
developers and friends of city workers. I'm believe that the yes, the
most qualified should be picked . BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE IN
FREDERICTON. Hard to believe? No it isn't.
Emilien
Forest
Reply to @Rose
Michaud: I really don't care what you say are qualified to do, you
proved nothing. I'm certain a lot of people feel the same way. BUT THIS
IS THE CASE IN FREDERICTON. Hard to believe? No it isn't.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Emilien Forest: I Wholeheartedly Agree
David R. Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Rose Michaud: Cry me a river
Mac Isaac
Reply to @Rose
Michaud: If what you assert is correct, then I have to agree. Even if
were to know you and disliked you, fair's fair and you are making valid
points. If you actually do have "...tons of experience relevant to the
committee." you at least should be given some feedback...at the very
least.
Johnny
Horton
Reply to @Mac Isaac:
We already have too many government workers imsgine if we needed to
hire tens of thousands more to respond to every applicant for a
committee or job and inform them of some feedback of why they didn’t
make it.
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos: Hmmm
Rose Michaud This
is typical for Fredericton. The committees and council are are ignorant
and dismissive towards women. I know from personal experience. I made
the unfortunate choice to speak up regarding some concerns I had with a
development (not trying to stop it, but just bringing forth some
issues). I got an eye roll from one committee member and a huff from
another. And then two Councillors explained away the issues using
incorrect information. End of story, no one was listening to me. I was
dismissed. Had I been listened to if I was a man, probably. Other in
attendance saw the spectacle and had the same comments. I was
professional when I appeared and was prepared. They were ignorant. It's
so bad that the developer didn't even show up to the committee meeting,
knowing it was going to be approved.
Emilien Forest
Reply to @Rose Michaud: The only thing you achieved in doing on this forum is demonstrate that you are a misandrist.
Fred Dee
Reply to @Rose
Michaud: we need the best people.... what gender is of little
importance. I would rather have 5 women if they were the best choice,,,
I am tired of this "inclusive" need... get the BEST people for the
job!!!!!
David R. Amos Reply to @Emilien Forest: I concur
Doug James I
would rather have 20 like minded individuals than a thousand with
diverse viewpoints. I could get things done with the 20 while the
thousand would still be trying to figure out where their navel is. Get
the best people for the job and quit virtue signalling.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Doug James: Methinks many would agree that diverse viewpoints are the only way to go in a Just Democracy N'ey Pas?
Doug James
Reply to @David R. Amos:
I think that the best get the job and the rest should appreciate that. A
technical board for construction would not be helped by a goat herd
from Lithuania even though it increases the diversity.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Doug James:
Methinks we should be shocked that a former Green Party candidate would
think so ill of a herd of goats in light all the pigs at the trough
consuming taxpayer funds while their Irving overseers mow down what is
left of our forests N'esy Pas?
Archie
Levesque So in future elections we will make it easy.
1. Mandatory voting for all of age people.
2. Require - by law - for all genders, races and languages to be
represented in the make-up of any of the 3 levels of government.
Alexandre Hilton
Reply to @Archie
Levesque: I'm not sure if you are joking or not, but both of your
recommendations are absolutely horrible, and also a clear violation of
the Charter of Rights
David R. Amos
Reply to @Alexandre Hilton: Not really
Fred Dee I want the best people…. gender should not matter!!!!!
would she be upset if 5 females were selected??
Mac Isaac
Reply to @Fred Dee: More importantly Fred...would YOU?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mac Isaac: How about YOU?
Mac Isaac When
I first read the story's headline I thought the representation was just
council members. After reading the article I immediately saw
Councillor's Rogers point, BUT there also isn't representation from
other groups, such as actual stakeholders from NBEX, First Nations
groups, etc. In this day and age every representative body, when forming
study groups, MUST before issuing any notices, consider "Does this
group actually include those who will potentially be most affected by
its decisions?"
David R. Amos
Reply to @Mac Isaac: Oh My My Thats a pretty big "MUST" Methinks you think that you do know it all N'esy Pas?
Shawn Hickey Why does sex & race always come up?
It's very possible they were the 5 best choices.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Shawn Hickey: Go Figure
Marc Bourque awwwwww poor thing!What an outrage...;)
David R. Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Marc Bourque: I would feel for her but I can't reach I am too busy trying to stop laughing and get up off the floor.
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos: Wow
Joseph Vacher if 20% of the applicants were female, i would understand wanting 20% representation. This is not the case
David R. Amos
Reply to @Joseph Vacher: Methinks there should be no relationship The decision should be based on merit only N'esy Pas?
Mark
Curran another day. another victim.
David R. Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Mark
Curran: Methinks Kate knows where the Fat Fred City Finest has my old
Harley and the wiretap tapes stashed N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos
Reply to @David R. Amos: Oh dear
Gil Murray Since
she is the person raising "sour grapes" I would agree, it probably is.
She typically only gets involved in her personal projects (the "arts",
playhouse, etc). I think she wants to raise her profile in time to take a
run at the mayor. While I am no fan of his, I shudder to think what
would happen if she took over.
David R. Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Gil Murray: "I shudder to think what would happen if she took over."
Nay not I Methinks Fat Fred City gets the governments it deserves Trust
that not just Chucky The Blogger" truly enjoys the circus it offers Nesy
Pas?
David R. Amos Reply to @David R. Amos: Oh my my
Greg Miller Oh- Hum!
David R. Amos
Reply to @Greg Miller: Methinks you should pay attention the circus today is just beginning N'esy Pas?
David R. Amos Methinks nobody should be surprised by this nonsense 2015 was four very long years ago N'esy Pas?
George
Smith K.
Rogers is right to bring this up. Any civic body has to represent the
public at large. That's a given these days. But the old boys clubs still
hang on in politics and in general.
David R. Amos
Reply to @George
Smith: Methinks you know as well as I that one of the Police Chiefs of
Fat Fred City Finest who stole my old Harley was a woman N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Reply to @David R. Amos: Who are you again ? No one seems to have a clue who you are !
David R. Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: George knows me and so do you
Wayne Mac
Arthur Would this person expect that all committees should be built around herself in order to have balance ?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Wayne Mac
Arthur: Methinks a wannabe mayor hopes that all committees will answer
to her and the Queen (another woman) someday N'esy Pas?
Greg
Windsor Oh no !!! This is terrible, I do not think that I will be able to sleep tonight....
David R. Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Greg
Windsor: Methinks I am gonna cry all night after viewing how many of my
word went "Poof" Its a cruel world N'esy Pas?
Ben Haroldson Litigate I say,.......litigate.
David R. Amos
Reply to @Ben Haroldson: Methinks there a boatloads of lady lawyers who could use the work N'esy Pas?
Jef Cronkhite I just don't get how the exhibition is a gender matter? This is about the Ex grounds, I just can't get how gender factors in?
David R. Amos
Reply to @Jef Cronkhite: It doesn't
More women needed in municipal politics, says political panel
Political scientist says 30 per cent minimum needed for 'real change'
Kate Rogers is the only woman on Fredericton municipal council this term. (Maria Jose Burgos/CBC)
More women are needed in municipal politics was the consensus reached on this week's CBC New Brunswick political panel.
The political panel looked at the number of women involved in municipal politics and how to increase that number.
This
comes after Fredericton councillor Kate Rogers raised concerns over the
lack of female representation both on council and city hall committees.
Rogers is the only woman serving this term.
Joanne
Wright, a political scientist and the dean of UNB's arts faculty, any
real change requires a significant percentage of women participating.
"Political scientists talk about a 30 per cent minimum," said Wright.
"You
can't have any real change in the culture of an institution or a body
without roughly 30 per cent or more women in place. You're just not
going to make that change in the culture."
Wright said many
women do not feel welcome in council environments. When stories emerge
about women not being valued by an institution, that lowers the appeal
even further.
Institution 'foreign'
Rogers said many of her male colleagues don't understand that the institution can inherently put many women off.
"They're all saying, 'Well, if women wanted to be here, they'd just come, they'd just run, they'd be here,'" said Rogers.
"I'm
saying, 'I don't think you guys get how foreign this actually is … for a
woman. And it really wasn't designed for us and we can feel that."
Rogers said the environment feels foreign even to her — someone from Fredericton with a degree in political science.
She said women are often seen as one-dimensional, where men are viewed as having a breadth of experience.
The Political Panel from CBC News New Brunswick
July 12: Summer special: What can be done to make municipal politics more diverse?
12:5652:31
A Fredericton councillor
recently came forward to say the atmosphere at city hall can be toxic.
What can be done to improve the gender diversity in municipal politics?
Fredericton Coun. Kate Rogers, Joanne Wright, a political scientist at
the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, and Leah Levac, a former
Fredericton city councillor and an assistant professor at the University
of Guelph, joined a special summer edition of the panel. 52:31
She said she's been pigeonholed when seeking out appointments to committees.
"It was said to me, 'Well, you're the arts and culture girl,'" said Rogers.
"I
am a person with a master's in political science. I'm a woman who owned
a business for 10 years … I've been the executive director of three
organizations ... I might point out I don't even have formal arts
training."
Leah
Levac, a former Fredericton city councillor and a political scientist
at the University of Guelph, said there are concrete things councils can
do to make them more attractive to women candidates.
"Seriously
considering even things like the structures and timing of meetings, of
the kind of support services that we offer to councillors in exchange
for the work that they do," said Levac.
"I think that even
though it is always contentious I think we seriously have to consider
whether or not we are comfortable continuing to ask people to do
effectively full-time work for honoraria type [of] remuneration."
Listen to the full CBC New Brunswick Political Panel hosted by Terry Seguin
Even
before the campaign school, Guelph was making progress. Between 2006
and 2010, seven women, including the mayor, sat on council.
Earlier
this week, Kate Rogers, Fredericton's only female councillor, spoke out
about the lack of gender diversity on city council — something she's
been pushing since she was first elected seven years ago.
At a
council meeting Monday night, Rogers also called out city staff for
proposing five men for a committee to look into possible development
on the New Brunswick Exhibition grounds in Fredericton.
Rogers
says it's time Fredericton council and different committees receive
gender-sensitivity training to generate gender parity. (Maria Jose Burgos/CBC)
On Twitter, Fredericton's former police chief Leanne Fitch said she was proud of Rogers for speaking out.
"Accountability for misogyny at [the City of Fredericton] is long overdue. I've seen it, felt it, experienced it."
Rogers 'strong and empowered'
Rogers,
who has sat on many boards in Fredericton, said she often tries to
generate discussion at council committee meetings but often meets
resistance or eye rolls. (Maria Jose Burgos/CBC)
On Friday, Piper described Rogers as a "strong and empowered" woman for speaking out.
"The
definition of a representative government is that your local government
and every level of government is represented as a society as a whole,"
said Piper, who did a master's degree on leadership and representation
in municipalities.
"Society as a whole, if we say it's
50-50 male-female, then that representation should be seen in
decision-makers creating policies."
Piper said it's important to have women on council because
other women find them more relatable. She said decision-making also
requires a diverse voice.
It also says something about society as a whole.
"It
sends a larger message to Canadians and those outside Canada that we're
an inclusive culture and we elect a diverse range of people to our
government."
Women don't feel good enough to run
Often,
she said, women don't run for politics because they think they are not
educated enough, don't know enough about policy planning or council
matters, aren't embedded in a community, or don't have the money for a
campaign.
Sometimes, they don't receive the support of their own families.
"They
figured you either needed to be in business or a member of a service
club," Piper said. "The research shows that women are very embedded in
the community. They're just embedded in a very different way."
Instead, women are more likely to be involved in parent councils, church groups or non-profits.
Information Morning - Fredericton
A look at how Guelph is getting women into municipal politics
00:0014:43
Leanne Piper is a city councillor in Guelph, Ontario who is making an effort to ensure women are represented in leadership. 14:43
She
said the campaign school was designed to eliminate some of the barriers
holding women back from running for political office.
The school was open to potential candidates, as well as candidate supporters, such as campaign managers.
It
was designed as a safe space to talk about their questions about
running. It was also a place to talk about past criticism from the
public.
Women supporting women
On
Twitter, Fredericton's former police chief Leanne Fitch said she was
proud of Rogers for speaking out. Fitch said accountability for misogyny
is long overdue at city council. (Maria Jose Burgos/CBC)
Although, the course was welcomed by many, Piper said some members of the public were disgruntled.
"There
were men that said, 'Why can't I go?'" she said. "The information in
the workshops is generic information that every candidate should know."
More
than 100 people were interested in the campaign school. She said it's
something that should be offered in municipalities across Canada,
including Fredericton.
5 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
James Risdon If
I knew a candidate in an election had to be sold on the idea of running
for office like this, I would be less likely to vote for them.
It just seems so wishy-washy.
The inability to make even a basic decision such as whether or not they
should run for office does not bode well for someone who is seeking a
job as a decision maker with their hands on the public purse.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @James Risdon: You make an excellent point.
Jason
Inness I
think this is a good idea. We should also put more civics in schools,
so people understand things like what level of government handles what
kinds of files (i.e. local government does garbage removal, provincial
does education, federal does immigration). I think society would be
better served by more informed participants at every level of our
democracy.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Jason
Inness: Civics in schools ? That's too common sense of an idea for the
patronage appointees in the Dept' of Education to accept. Where would
there be room for THEIR radical ideas ? They've been failing for
decades, why change the status quo ?
Mark Curran
See, this is awesome !! Great value added idea. Not just complaining about the needle not moving
Only woman on Fredericton council sometimes feels 'run over by a truck'
Need for more women on council has become contentious issue, Kate Rogers says
Fredericton Coun. Kate Rogers says some members of council roll their eyes when she raises gender issues. (Maria Jose Burgos/CBC)
Fredericton's only female councillor says the need for gender
diversity on council has become a real struggle and point of
contention.
"There are times that it feels toxic," Coun. Kate
Rogers said in an interview Wednesday. "There are times when I leave
there that I feel sort of run over by a truck."
Council
voted down the proposal after Rogers said there were several qualified
female candidates who could have been nominated, herself included.
"Enough is enough, we have got to do better."
Council a 'foreign space'
Rogers has been on council for seven years, including two as deputy mayor.
She said gender diversity on council is something she's been pushing since she was first elected.
"One
of my issues at council from the beginning was what a foreign space it
felt [like], how foreign it felt to me," said Rogers, who represents
Ward 11 in Fredericton.
We just haven't moved the needle.- Coun. Kate Rogers
"I
say this as a well-educated, middle-class, Fredericton-born white
woman. And that space felt foreign to me when I first entered it."
She said some councillors have been disrespectful, an attitude she believes has increased over the past couple of years.
CBC News New Brunswick
Disrespect toward women common at Fredericton council, female councillor says
Fredericton's only female
councillor says some of her all-male colleagues are disrespectful
toward women and reluctant to bring more gender diversity.
"It's gotten to the point that some colleagues just roll their eyes," Rogers said. "I've had a few, 'Ugh, not again.'
"To me that's disrespectful. That should never happen around a council chamber."
Although
some councillors are empathetic about the lack of women on council, she
said others "stare straight ahead and don't really respond" when the
issue is brought up.
But there have been times where her leadership has been questioned, particularly when she has managed committee meetings.
Rogers,
who has sat on many boards in Fredericton, including the Playhouse,
said she often tries to generate discussion at council
committee meetings but meets resistance.
"I'm the one that gets called out if they don't quite like the way that I'm handling it."
Rogers,
who has sat on many boards in Fredericton, said she often tries to
generate discussion at council committee meetings but often meets
resistance. (Maria Jose Burgos/CBC)
She said this is something Mayor Mike O'Brien shouldn't let happen in the first place.
While
she has addressed her concerns to the mayor, she said the behaviour of
some of her fellow councillors hasn't been addressed.
"We know that it goes unseen in society and it goes unseen around the council table as well," she said.
'This is 2019'
O'Brien said he has always tried to maintain decorum and respect on council and in committee meetings.
He hasn't noticed anything personally at council, but this could be part of the problem, he said.
"If I'm a member of council and Coun. Rogers does not feel comfortable or respected, then we're all in this together," he said.
O'Brien said he appreciates Rogers coming forward and will try to get better at recognizing gender discrimination.
"This is 2019 … and we can all do better on that," he said.
Alone at the table
"When
you're not hearing other voices come to your defence, then those who
are inclined to disagree with you feel a little bit more empowered to be
more vocal in their dissent," she said.
Rogers says it's time council and different committees receive gender-sensitivity training to generate gender parity. (Maria Jose Burgos/CBC)
While
she appreciates the work of the men on council and in various
committees, she said women would bring a different perspective.
"Clearly,
there's something that we're doing so that more women aren't coming to
the table. … Why aren't women coming? We need to change our practices."
On
Twitter earlier this week, Coun. Greg Ericson said the city should cut
the number of wards in half and elect two councillors of different
genders for each ward.
@seguincbc@K8inFred@ZamboniSavant@FrederictonDLC South Africa legislated gender equity in governance structures from the top to the bottom post apartheid. @CityFredGov should legislate a solution: cut the # of wards in half & elect 2 Councillors of non-identical genders / ward
Rogers hasn't received a response from
fellow councillors since she spoke out at Monday night's meeting. But
she has received a lot of positive feedback from the public, including
Fredericton's former police chief Leanne Fitch.
On Twitter, Fitch said she was proud of Rogers for speaking out.
"Accountability for misogyny at [the City of Fredericton] is long overdue. I've seen it, felt it, experienced it."
On
Twitter, Fredericton's former police chief Leanne Fitch said she was
proud of Rogersfor speaking out. Fitch said accountability for misogyny
is long overdue at city council. (Maria Jose Burgos/CBC)
Rogers is grateful Fitch felt comfortable coming forward on this issue.
"To
have other women within the organization feel that they are in a
position, where they can speak forward to give credence to my work means
so much," Rogers said.
Proud of Councillor Rogers for speaking out. Accountability for misogyny @CityFredGov is long over due. I’ve seen it, felt it, experienced it. @K8inFred@CBCNB
O'Brien,
who has worked alongside the police chief, said he was troubled by
Fitch's tweet and said it's an issue that needs to be dealt with.
"Even
if you don't notice if a particular councillor, especially a woman, or
say the female police chief, feels that they're not being valued or
being talked down to, and the rest of the group doesn't notice that,
well then that is a problem," O'Brien said.
"And we have to address that."
Over the years, Rogers said professionals have come in to advise councillors on roads, bus routes and remuneration.
She
said it's time, council and different committees receive
gender-sensitivity training to generate gender parity at city hall.
At
Monday night's city council meeting, Coun. Kate Rogers expressed
concern over an all-male nominee list for a new land development
committee that would oversee possible development at the city's
exhibition grounds. (Gary Moore/CBC)
Concerns over diversity has delayed the
appointment of five city representatives to a committee that would look
into possible development at the New Brunswick Exhibition grounds in
Fredericton.
City council was set to vote on the appointments
Monday night for the new NBEX land development committee, with a
recommendation from staff to approve the appointments.
But a plea from Coun. Kate Rogers led councillors to vote down the proposal.
Rogers said
there were several qualified female candidates who could have been
nominated, herself included, but she was concerned to see an all-male
nominee list.
"They are, as I already said, good candidates," said Rogers, who is the city's only female councillor.
"But
when I look at the candidates, when I look at the list that we did
receive … there are some women who put their names forth, who also have
very strong credentials. And I think that it's incumbent on us, in this
day and age, to try to reflect at the very least gender diversity."
Committee formed for possible land development
The NBEX land development committee was formed after years of conflict between the city and the Fredericton Exhibition Ltd.
In
2017 the city started discussions to push the NBEX into a new location
and away from the current grounds, so it could be developed into a
residential area.
That was opposed by NBEX, which eventually brought the city to court before dropping the case last fall.
I feel that they hear me, but I don't know whether or not they're listening.- Coun. Kate Rogers
Coun. Eric
Price, one of the nominees for the city's five committee members, said
he was not aware there was an issue with representation.
"I appreciate Kate's points as well and they're very valid points," Price told city council.
"I had no idea about all those things that you just talked about, so thank you for enlightening me on that."
The
rest of the nominee list includes Deputy Mayor Steven Hicks,
Fredericton's Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Trail, Shawn
Bilerman and Trevor Hanson.
'Some of them don't want to hear it'
Rogers said this isn't the first time she's bought up issues regarding women's representation to her male counterparts.
"I feel that they hear me, but I don't know whether or not they're listening," said Rogers after Monday night's council meeting.
"Some
of them don't want to hear it. Some of them have been disrespectful
when I have raised it.
Others have come to me and said, 'We know it's a
problem. We don't have the slightest idea what to do to make a change.'"
The
committee was initiated after the city and the Fredericton Exhibition
came to an agreement to develop a new plan for the grounds in February. (Maria Jose Burgos/CBC News)
Fredericton Mayor Mike O'Brien has the final say on the list of nominees presented to council.
O'Brien said while it is his purview, he instructed staff to choose the nominees.
"I left that to staff," he told council.
"That's not to put any onus on staff … but the staff made the recommendation and I signed the report."
Women represent greater community
Meanwhile
at a council-in-committee meeting that took place earlier Monday, a
visiting mayor from Port St. John's, South Africa, lightly chastised the
city for only having one female councillor.
"When we saw the
picture of the council members, as a female mayor, I had an issue," said
Nomvuzo Mlombile-Cingo, who was visiting the city along with a group of
South African mayors on a cultural exchange.
Now what?
Rogers said her objections were not "sour grapes."
The
city councillor said she would support any decision the council made,
but that it's important to have a more diverse council and city
committees.
"What is right is that we have more women represented
on our council to reflect our community, to reflect the parity that
exists in our community," she said.
The matter has returned to city staff. No timetable was announced for the introduction of new nominees.
CBC News has asked the city for the full list of candidates for the committee but has not yet received that list.
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