Thursday 8 June 2023

Higgs threatens election over Policy 713 as 8 PCs break ranks

Former NDP leader Dominic Cardy joins PCs as strategic issues director

Tory Leader Blaine Higgs says he and Cardy are 'directly aligned' on many issues

Dominic Cardy 2021 "You're children belong to the Province"

Automatic reply: Methinks challenging Higgy's leadership is on Andrea Anderson-Mason's agenda before he calls an election N'esy Pas?

Johnson, Margaret Hon. (DAAF/MAAP)

<Margaret.Johnson@gnb.ca>
Fri, Jun 9, 2023 at 5:59 PM
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

Thank you for your e-mail. I am currently away from the office and will return on Thursday, September 29, 2022. For urgent constituency concerns please contact Jane Staples for assistance at 506-276-4045 or at Jane.Staples@gnb.ca.

 

Thank you.

_______________________________________________________

 

Merci pour votre courriel. Je suis présentement absente du bureau et je serai de retour le jeudi 29 septembre 2022. Pour les préoccupations urgentes de la circonscription, veuillez communiquer avec Jane Staples au 506-276-4045 ou à Jane.Staples@gnb.ca.

 

Merci.

 
 
 

Thursday, 18 May 2023

PC caucus rejected review of gender-identity policy once before, former minister says

 

PC caucus rejected review of gender-identity policy once before, former minister says

Many Tory MLAs won’t say if they agree with review or endorse premier’s comments on LGBTQ students

The Fredericton West-Hanwell MLA, who sits as an independent, said the policy on sexual orientation and gender identity "was years in the making, involved considerable grassroots engagement and has been in effect without incident for a couple of years."

He said Premier Blaine Higgs raised several concerns in 2020, "most of which were not real," and took it to the PC caucus hoping MLAs would agree to review it.

Instead, the MLAs "largely reacted with support for the policy," he said.

The review of the policy, which sets minimum requirement for making schools safe and inclusive for LGBTQ students, has triggered a wave of criticism. 

 A man in a suit and glasses speaking into a microphone.New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs provoked criticism on Tuesday when he said schools should not be allowed to keep a student's adoption of a new name and pronoun secret from their parents when the student is younger than 16. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

Higgs said Tuesday he didn't act on his concerns when the policy was adopted because such policies don't get "a whole lot of air time" and don't require cabinet approval.

"I knew about it, but didn't know the particular content," said the premier, who questioned why it wasn't debated publicly at the time.

But Cardy said he sent the finished document to Higgs's office "for a final look-over" at the time and never heard back, so he signed it into effect just before the 2020 campaign. 

It was only after the election that Higgs summoned him and deputy minister George Daley to a meeting to hear his concerns and then went to the PC caucus hoping to deliver a "coup de grâce," Cardy said.

Instead, the caucus was generally comfortable with the document. 

"It was probably the most well-developed policy that the department had worked on in a number of years, in terms of the number of stakeholders involved and the efforts to get people's voices heard and to make sure it was done carefully," Cardy said.

Current Education Minister Bill Hogan said Wednesday he remembered no such caucus discussion after the last election and didn't recall ever discussing Policy 713 before this year.

Woman speaking into three microphones   Jill Green, minister for housing, wouldn't say if she thinks the policy should be changed. (Radio-Canada)

Housing Minister Jill Green, who co-signed a letter with Cardy in 2021 critical of the government's handling of Indigenous land declarations, wouldn't say if she recalled the caucus endorsing the policy.

"This policy has been in place for a couple of years. We're all aware of it and I'm not going to speak about what we were talking about in caucus or cabinet, of course," she said.

Green also wouldn't say if she thinks the policy should be changed.

"I strongly support children, I strongly support the safety of children, the safety of children in schools and the LGBTQSI children within the schools, and I will use my voice to continue to advocate for them," Green said.

Premier questions drag queen storytime

Higgs provoked strong criticism on Tuesday when he said schools should not be allowed to keep a student's adoption of a new name and pronoun secret from their parents when the student is younger than 16.

He did not clearly explain why he thinks parents should always know about the choice, even in cases where they may be hostile to their child's sexual orientation or gender identity.

He also questioned whether drag queen storytime events in school amounted to "promotion" of a different sexual orientation and refused to say if he thinks children would become gay after participating.

Those remarks prompted an outpouring of criticism online.

Several PC MLAs, including senior cabinet ministers Ernie Steeves, Mike Holland and Jeff Carr, would not take questions on the subject Wednesday.

Moncton South MLA Greg Turner, who chairs the PC caucus, also wouldn't comment.

Opposition Liberal Leader Susan Holt said she suspects most PC MLAs would like Policy 713 to remain as is and that the push to weaken it is coming from Higgs.

"I think his caucus is broadly supportive of the policy, of Policy 713. I don't think this is a partisan thing. I think it's more personal."

A woman with long light-brown hair, in a blue suit and black shirt stands outside the legislature and smiles for the camera. Minister of Women's Equality Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace also says she doesn't know if Policy 713 should be changed. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

Some other PC members said they supported the review. 

"It's just a review. A simple review. That's all it is," said Moncton Southwest MLA Sherry Wilson. "It's nothing major to be changed."

She said she "absolutely" supports the premier.

Minister of Women's Equality Tammy Scott-Wallace said Wednesday she did not know if the policy should be changed. 

She said all children need to feel safe and included at school, and parents have "a very important role to play" in their children's lives.

"I'm never afraid to have conversations. It is a new policy so I'm not afraid of the conversations circulating this past week," she said.

Review 'important' says Kris Austin

Public Safety Minister Kris Austin said it's important to have the review. 

He said he has to consent to his school-aged children taking a Tylenol at school, having their picture taken and going on a field trip, and the pronoun issue was no different. 

Hogan and Higgs both argued Wednesday that if a child feels they're in danger at home because of their sexual orientation or gender identify or any other reason, other mechanisms exist for teachers or school staff to step in.

"If a teacher believes there is a serious danger to a student, they are required by law to notify social services," Hogan said.

A woman with short light hair speaks into a microphone. Margaret Johnson, minister of agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, didn't say whether a child's choice of pronoun should be disclosed to parents. (Radio-Canada)

Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson, a former teacher, read a statement in the legislature Wednesday marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Johnson said she volunteered to read it as a former teacher who taught trans students.

She acknowledged to reporters that some children have relationships with their parents "that are not ideal" and agreed those students have ways to get confidential support at school.

But she didn't say whether a child's pronoun choice should have to be disclosed to parents.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
 
90 Comments 
 
 
 
David Amos    
In my humble opinion if the Right Wing Parties don't clue in ASAP Trudeau The Younger may become the the longest serving Prime Minister in our History much to the chagrin of the majority of the Canadian Electorate. The Conservatives have only themselves to blame for his victories thus far.
 
 
 
 
David Amos   
I wonder if any of these people recall our conversations BEFORE they were ever elected  
 
 
 
David Amos
Everybody knows I am no fan of Higg's However we happen to agree on this issue which should be no surprise to any politician in New Brunswick 



David Amos      
FYI When I read this yesterday I picked up the phone

"Dominic Vautour, a member of the Anglophone East district education council, called the premier's comments on Policy 713 deplorable." 

 


David Amos  

Where is Higgy's #1 spindoctor today?
 
 
 
David Amos  
 
Higgy and Cardy deserve each other  
 
 
 
 
Lorelei Stott  
support Higgs, transparency is best  
 
 
David Amos

Reply to Lorelei Stott  
How about Higgy begins by practicing what he preaches?
 
 
 
 
 

Much to my chagrin even I agree with Higgy on this 713 nonsense

Mitton, Megan (LEG)

<Megan.Mitton@gnb.ca>
Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 9:24 PM
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

(Le français suit)


Thank you for your email. I'm in the legislature in Fredericton the weeks of June 5th and June 12th. Thank you for your patience as I reply to correspondence. For immediate assistance, you can call the Fredericton office: (506) 457-6842.
For media requests, please call: 506-429-2285.


Je vous remercie de votre courriel. Je serai à l'Assemblée législative à Fredericton les semaines du 5 et du 12 juin. Je vous remercie de votre patience pendant que je réponds à la correspondance. Pour une assistance immédiate, vous pouvez appeler le bureau de Fredericton : (506) 457-6842.
Pour les demandes des médias, veuillez composer le 506-429-2285.

Megan Mitton (elle / she, her)

Députée de Memramcook-Tantramar | Responsable en matière de la santé, l'éducation, le changement climatique, et les droits humains.

MLA for Memramcook-Tantramar | Advocate and Critic on files including Health, Education, Climate Change, and Human Rights.


Le Nouveau-Brunswick est situé sur les territoires traditionnels, non cédés des Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik & Peskotomuhkati. / New Brunswick is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik & Peskotomuhkati.

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Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario

<Premier@ontario.ca>
Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 9:24 PM
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued.

You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read, reviewed and taken into consideration.

There may be occasions when, given the issues you have raised and the need to address them effectively, we will forward a copy of your correspondence to the appropriate government official. Accordingly, a response may take several business days.

Thanks again for your email.

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Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations.

Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons.

Dans certains cas, nous transmettrons votre message au ministère responsable afin que les questions soulevées puissent être traitées de la manière la plus efficace possible. En conséquence, plusieurs jours ouvrables pourraient s’écouler avant que nous puissions vous répondre.

Merci encore pour votre courriel.

 

Ministerial Correspondence Unit - Justice Canada

<mcu@justice.gc.ca>
Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 9:24 PM
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

Thank you for writing to the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

Due to the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note that there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed.

We do not respond to correspondence that contains offensive language.

-------------------

Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable David Lametti, ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada.

En raison du volume de correspondance adressée au ministre, veuillez prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de votre courriel. Nous tenons à vous assurer que votre message sera lu avec soin.

Nous ne répondons pas à la correspondance contenant un langage offensant.

 

David Amos

<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 9:24 PM
To: premier@ontario.ca, oldmaison@yahoo.com, dan.bussieres@gnb.ca, andre@jafaust.com, jbosnitch@gmail.com, briangallant10@gmail.com, brian.gallant@gnb.ca, blaine.higgs@gnb.ca, David.Coon@gnb.ca, Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca, david.eidt@gnb.ca, hugh.flemming@gnb.ca, "Marco.Mendicino" <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, "Mike.Comeau" <Mike.Comeau@gnb.ca>, "kris.austin" <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, "Mitton, Megan (LEG)" <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, "Arseneau, Kevin (LEG)" <kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca>, Alaina.Lockhart@gnb.ca, BrianThomasMacdonald@gmail.com, martin.gaudet@fredericton.ca, "andrea.anderson-mason" <andrea.anderson-mason@gnb.ca>, "jeff.carr" <jeff.carr@gnb.ca>, "robert.gauvin" <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, "robert.mckee" <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, "Jacques.Poitras" <Jacques.Poitras@cbc.ca>, "Robert. Jones" <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, "Ross.Wetmore" <Ross.Wetmore@gnb.ca>

David Amos

<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 9:56 PM
To: "Gary.Crossman" <Gary.Crossman@gnb.ca>, "Bill.Hogan" <Bill.Hogan@gnb.ca>, "Bill.Oliver" <Bill.Oliver@gnb.ca>, "jake.stewart" <jake.stewart@parl.gc.ca>, "jacques.j.leblanc" <jacques.j.leblanc@gnb.ca>, "Tammy.Scott-Wallace" <Tammy.Scott-Wallace@gnb.ca>, "michelle.conroy" <michelle.conroy@gnb.ca>, david.sollows@gnb.ca, "John.Williamson" <John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>, "mary.wilson" <mary.wilson@gnb.ca>, "john.green" <john.green@gnb.ca>, Daniel.J.Allain@gnb.ca, Richard.Ames@gnb.ca, Guy.Arseneault@gnb.ca, "kathy.bockus" <kathy.bockus@gnb.ca>, "benoit.bourque" <benoit.bourque@gnb.ca>, "keith.chiasson" <keith.chiasson@gnb.ca>, Chuck.Chiasson@gnb.ca, "Ryan.Cullins" <Ryan.Cullins@gnb.ca>, Mike.Dawson@gnb.ca, Jean-Claude.D'Amours@gnb.ca, "Arlene.Dunn" <Arlene.Dunn@gnb.ca>, "bruce.fitch" <bruce.fitch@gnb.ca>, "jill.green" <jill.green@gnb.ca>, "Trevor.Holder" <Trevor.Holder@gnb.ca>, Susan.Holt@gnb.ca, "Margaret.Johnson" <Margaret.Johnson@gnb.ca>, "francine.landry" <francine.landry@gnb.ca>, Marco.LeBlanc@gnb.ca, Gilles.LePage@gnb.ca, Richard.Losier@gnb.ca, "Holland, Mike (LEG)" <mike.holland@gnb.ca>, "Rene.Legacy" <Rene.Legacy@gnb.ca>, Eric.Mallet@gnb.ca, "Greg.Turner" <Greg.Turner@gnb.ca>, "greg.byrne" <greg.byrne@gnb.ca>, Isabelle.Theriault@gnb.ca, Ernie.Steeves@gnb.ca, "Gilles.Cote" <Gilles.Cote@gnb.ca>, LTgov@gnb.ca, Glen.Savoie@gnb.ca, Rejean.A.Savoie@gnb.ca, Sherry.Wilson@gnb.ca, Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
 
 
Thursday, 8 June 2023

Higgs threatens election over Policy 713 as 8 PCs break ranks
 
 
 
 
 

The Wannabe big cheese and Chucky Baby

 
 
 

Minister Bill Hogan is asked by Blogger about his stern attitude!!!!

Charles Leblanc 
 
 
 
 

The big cheese arrives at the New Brunswick Legislature.....

Charles Leblanc 
 
 
 
 

Higgs threatens election over Policy 713 as 8 PCs break ranks

6 ministers, 2 backbenchers denounce 'lack of process and transparency' during review

Premier speaks out after ministers denounce lack of transparency on Policy 713 review

Duration 1:47
Premier Higgs answers reporters' questions after more than a quarter of his caucus break ranks over LGBTQ-protection policy changes

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs said he was willing to call an election over changes to Policy 713, which was designed to protect LGBTQ students, as he faced a rebellion from several of his top cabinet ministers Thursday.

Six ministers and two backbench MLAs refused to attend the morning sitting of the legislature "as a way to express our extreme disappointment in a lack of process and transparency," they said in a statement.

But any chance of the government falling appeared to fizzle by mid-afternoon when all eight returned to the house for a key vote.

The statement was signed by ministers Dororthy Shephard, Trevor Holder, Daniel Allain, Arlene Dunn, Jeff Carr, Jill Green, and backbenchers Ross Wetmore and Andrea Anderson-Mason.

The eight Tories stayed away from question period less than an hour after Education Minister Bill Hogan announced the results of his review of Policy 713.

The policy, enacted in 2020 after consultations with stakeholders and experts, established minimum standards for schools to ensure a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students.

A collage of headshots of four men and four women. Ministers Dororthy Shephard, Trevor Holder, Daniel Allain, Arlene Dunn, Jeff Carr, Jill Green, and backbenchers Ross Wetmore and Andrea Anderson-Mason said they refrained from participating in routine business and question period Thursday 'as a way to express [their] extreme disappointment in a lack of process and transparency.' (CBC)

Hogan's news conference laid out changes to three elements of the policy, including no longer making it mandatory for teachers and staff to respect the chosen names and pronouns of children under 16 without parental consent.

The PC rebellion by more than a quarter of Higgs's caucus became clear when the eight MLAs delivered a written statement to reporters shortly before noon.

Another change removes mention of gender identity when it comes to sports and other activities, saying only that students will be able to take part in safe and welcoming activities. A third change requires each school to have a general-neutral change room.

WATCH | What is Policy 713, and why does it matter? The CBC's Raechel Huizinga explains:

CBC Explains: Here’s what you need to know about Policy 713

Duration 2:42
Complaints, protests, debates, reviews: What’s it all about?
In two cases, Hogan's descriptions of the changes didn't match the wording of the new document given to reporters, and the minister promised to make further changes to it.

But that wasn't enough to end the blooming PC rebellion by more than a quarter of Higgs's caucus.

"It could potentially force an election," the premier told reporters moments after the dissidents released their statement.

He'd been asked whether he might be forced to step down but instead raised the idea of triggering a campaign.

"Would I do that? It's not without the realm of possibility. I believe that strongly in the case of finding a solution here where we do not exclude parents in their child's life."

The prospect of the PCs losing a vote in the house was real for several hours.

8 PCs return to defeat Green bill to ban shale gas

A Green Party bill to ban shale gas development was due for a second reading debate and mid-afternoon vote.

The statement by the eight PC dissidents did not say if they'd take part in that vote, but the government would need them in the house to stop the Green legislation from advancing.

By the time the Green bill came up around 2:45 p.m., all eight were back in the house, giving the government enough votes to defeat the legislation.

It wasn't clear whether they'd won any further concessions in return for their presence during a noontime caucus meeting.

Asked after a noontime caucus meeting if she would be in the house to vote, Dunn replied, "I don't know."

Allain was in the house for a committee debate on one of his bills, and Anderson-Mason told reporters she planned to fill in for Speaker Bill Oliver during the afternoon.

"It's always been about the process," she said. "For me, it's always been about the process. The process is incredibly important. It's the foundation of democracy."

A man with grey hair and glasses, wearing a grey suit, flanked by another man and a woman, speaks into a microphone. Green Party Leader David Coon and MLAs Kevin Arseneau and Megan Mitton say Higgs has clearly lost the confidence of his caucus and should resign. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

Green Leader David Coon said earlier in the day that the extraordinary move by those Tories means Higgs must resign.

"He clearly has lost the confidence of a sizeable part of his cabinet. He needs to go."

Liberal Leader Susan Holt said her party was ready for an election and her MLAs would support any no-confidence vote against the government.

"I think what we've seen today is this government is not up to the challenge of leading our education system, and not up to the challenge of leading a cabinet or a caucus," she said.

Another PC caucus member could take over, Cardy says

Former education minister Dominic Cardy, who resigned last October and was ejected from the PC caucus, said an election isn't necessary to remove Higgs from office.

He told reporters that if the premier visits Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy and asked her to dissolve the house, she should instead ask the PC caucus if another of its members could take over and lead a government with majority support in the legislature.

Cardy acknowledged that move, while possible in the parliamentary system, is rare but not out of the question.

"The lieutenant-governor's job is to ascertain whether there's anybody else who can command the majority of the house," he said.

"I'm saying there are very clearly people who could do that job. The premier has shown today he can't even command his own caucus, his own cabinet."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

 
 
 
874 Comments 
 
 
 
David Amos  
Content Deactivated
Welcome to the circus
 
 
David Amos  
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
"Ministers who can't publicly support a government policy or decision would normally be expected to resign, Wright said.

"But Higgs will be feeling the heat," he added. "Politically, it's never good to lose or fire a cabinet minister. And he certainly doesn't want to precipitate a caucus revolt."

Former education minister Dominic Cardy, who quit last fall over proposed changes to French immersion, says there are plenty of reasons why ministers are reluctant to resign.

"You lose a very large chunk of your salary, you lose access to a government car, different benefits," he said.

"But in the end, what's the point of this job? The point of being an elected official is to serve the people of the province."

A wave of departures could either force Higgs back to the more moderate style he adopted early in his term or push him out, Cardy said." 

 

 

David Amos  
Content Deactivated 
Higgy is not alone David Coon, Kevin Arseneau, Megan Mitton, Dororthy Shephard, Trevor Holder, Daniel Allain, Arlene Dunn, Jeff Carr, Jill Green, Ross Wetmore and Andrea Anderson-Mason don't like me either 
 
 
 
 
David Amos  
Content Deactivated  
Methinks Cardy is having a great day N'esy Pas?

"Former education minister Dominic Cardy, who resigned last October and was ejected from the PC caucus, said an election isn't necessary to remove Higgs from office.

He told reporters that if the premier visits Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy and asked her to dissolve the house, she should instead ask the PC caucus if another of its members could take over and lead a government with majority support in the legislature.

Cardy acknowledged that move, while possible in the parliamentary system, is rare but not out of the question.

"The lieutenant-governor's job is to ascertain whether there's anybody else who can command the majority of the house," he said."

 
Kyle Woodman 
Reply to David Amos
For sure.
 
 
 
 
 
David Amos 
Content Deactivated   
Lots of folks must see this for what it is by now

Higgs faces growing dissent from cabinet on LGBTQ policy review

Minister Jeff Carr says government should strengthen policies, not take away rights

Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: May 25, 2023 3:30 PM ADT

 
james bolt
Reply to David Amos
its not complicated 
 
 
 
 
 
 
David Amos  
Reply to Mark Baker 
I second that emotion  
 
 
 
 
 
David Armstrong
The question should always be, what's in the child's best interests? Not the parents', not the teachers', not the school administrators, and definitely not the politicians.
 
 
Don Corey 
Reply to David Armstrong
Since when should parents not be involved in whatever is in the best interest(s) of the child? Dig your head out!  
 
 
David Armstrong 
Reply to Don Corey   
When getting parents involved harms the child. 
 
 
Jason Jensen
Reply to Don Corey
You think all parents are perfect?
 
 
Don Corey 
Reply to David Armstrong
Are you not aware that the legislation provides appropriate protection for kids who have abusive parents? 
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to Jason Jensen
I have yet to meet anyone who is perfect. What's your point? Have you actually read the legislation, and the protection provided against abusive parents?  
 
 
David Armstrong 
Reply to Don Corey
Parents don't need to be abusive for it to be harmful.  
 
 
Christopher Harborne 
Reply to Don Corey  
So the child must out the parent as toxic/abusive. And even then, there's no guarantee they get protection from the govt, they can be forced to still go home.  
 
 
Marie Harris  
Reply to Don Corey 
Not all parents are loving and caring and accepting. Many children do not feel safe at home. School should be their safe space where they can learn and be who they are.
 
 
Don Corey 
Reply to David Armstrong
Parents have rights too when it comes to their kids, along with all the ACCEPTED liabilities, commitments, demands and obligations.  
 
 
David Amos  
Reply to Don Corey 
I agree
  
 
 
 
 
Wally Manza
do what you need to do Mr. Higgs, many nbers support you on this one
 
 
David Amos  
Content Deactivated
Reply to Wally Manza 
Much to my chagrin even I agree with Higgy on this 713 nonsense  
 
 
 
 
Dean Hobermann  
I will raise my kids as I see fit. 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Dean Hobermann 
I did  
 
 
Valérie Levasseur 
Reply to Dean Hobermann 
No one is trying to change how you raise your kids with this policy. They are merely hoping to not *require* schools to let you know if one of them is trans, or is questioning their gender identity. Is there some reason you think you wouldn't already know? 
 
 
 
 
 
Andy Bond  
Is Higgs from Texas? That would explain a lot.  
 
 
David Amos  
Content Deactivated
Reply to Andy Bond 
Tut Tut Tut
 
 
 
 
 
claude bourgeois
Let's get rid of Higgs! Either by having an election or having a PC member challenge his leadership! He has lost the confidence of the house, his members, and most importantly, the New Brunswick people! 
 
 
Samual Johnston 
Reply to claude bourgeois
I dunno about that---he is far from perfect but I can't see anyone else in there who would do a better job --- not in the Conservatives and definitely not the opposition parties. 
 
 
David Amos 
Content Deactivated  
Reply to claude bourgeois
Imagine if Austin challenged Higgy's leadership? 
 
 
Ronald Miller  
Reply to claude bourgeois
JT did that long ago yet there he is continuing to lead us further and further downhill.
 
 
Craig McMaster 
Reply to Ronald Miller  
We had an election on September 20, 2021 where we could have replaced Trudeau and the Liberals.

The Conservative Party of Canada told us the election wasn't necessary...

 
Craig McMaster 
Reply to Ronald Miller   
We had an election on September 20, 2021 where we could have replaced Trudeau and the Liberals. 
 
 
Mike Fraser
Content Deactivated   
 
 
David Carpsel 
Reply to Mike Fraser
Democracy is a "distraction" in your opinion because you lost  
 
 
Nereus Irvine 
Reply to claude bourgeois
Time to retire.
 
 
Mike Fraser
Content Deactivated 
 
 
Leighton Wensley 
Reply to Mike Fraser
100s of billions every day!? wow added a few zeroes there, boy. 

 
 
 
 
val harris
Content Deactivated 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to val harris
Dream on
 
 
Ronald Miller
Reply to val harris
This does not involve his entire caucus, it is a minority of it, so should he listen to the minority for the sake of the majority. We already have an opp. party that does that.  




 
James Smythe 
Higgs has the 2nd lowest approval rating of any Premier in the country. I'd welcome an election.

 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to James Smythe
Will you pay for it?
 
 
Stanley Beemish 
Reply to James Smythe
Are we basing the protection of our democracy now on the cost of elections?

 
David Amos
Content Deactivated    
Reply to James Smythe 
As Mr Baxter said yesterday

“The arse is out of 'er now.” 
 
 
Paula Carr  
Reply to Ronald Miller
We paid for the snap election Higgs called in 2020 - did we not?  
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Paula Carr 
The opposition parties said they would bring him down as they had the numbers to do so, Higgs simply beat them to the punch, it backfired on them, be careful what you wish for. 
 
 
Paula Carr  
Reply to Ronald Miller
"It backfired" - we were in the middle of a pandemic - how many did not go out to vote?  
 
 
Ray Skavinsky 
Reply to Paula Carr
Paula. I think Mr. Miller is referring to now, not the election of which you speak.There is a strong group of folks who are silent just as before...you wont find them on here....and we know what happened.  

 
 
 

Civil liberties group concerned about 'domino effect' of LGBTQ-protection policy review

N.B. Education Minister Bill Hogan began review of Policy 713 in April, decision expected this week

The results of the review of Policy 713, which outlines minimum requirements for a safe environment for LGBTQ students, will be announced Thursday at a 9:15 a.m. news conference, which will be livestreamed by CBC News.

Harini Sivalangam, director of equality programs at the association, said they are especially concerned because of the rise of anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans sentiment in the country.

"We're also concerned about the domino effect that this may have across other jurisdictions," she said. "These policies were developed in consultation with stakeholders, and unilaterally making any changes to them is deeply concerning."

Woman smiling at camera Harini Sivalangam, director of equality programs at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, says lawyers will be closely reviewing any changes to Policy 713. (Submitted by Canadian Civil Liberties Association)

Sivalangam said many provinces have almost identical policies to New Brunswick's. The move to review such a policy is unprecedented in Canada, she said, but has been seen in the United States.

"We don't see any governments trying to alter a policy that is working and is meeting the needs of students and school communities, which are trying to provide an inclusive space."

In Quebec, a group of parents, teachers and activists sent a letter to Quebec's minister of education asking him to take the same step as Higgs. They're asking to make it mandatory for teachers to tell parents if a child changes their name, pronoun or gender presentation. 

In Prince Edward Island, flyers have been popping up in people's mailboxes and windshields urging parents to keep their children out of school to protest LGBTQ-protection policies

What's under review

Two of the sections under review affirm students' rights to choose extracurricular activities and use washrooms that align with their gender identity.

A third says a principal must get the consent of a child under 16 before contacting parents to get their permission to make a name change official on school records. 

Premier Blaine Higgs and Education Minister Bill Hogan have both said the rights of LGBTQ children will not be rolled back.

Concerns 'echo the claims' of anti-LGBTQ groups

The New Brunswick Women's Council has called on the province to suspend the review partly because the concerns cited are similar to those shared by transphobic and anti-LGBTQ groups.

Premier Higgs has said it's inappropriate for children in younger grades to be exposed to drag storytime. The policy does not address drag events and curriculum, and it's not clear if any school has ever had drag events as part of class.

Man surrounded by microphones. New Brunswick Education Minister Bill Hogan says the results of the review will be announced this week. (Radio-Canada)

Hogan has also said one of the concerns driving the review is "the rights of female students and whether or not they're comfortable going into a washroom with a biological male."

The right to use the washroom that matches a person's gender identity has been protected by both the federal and provincial Human Rights Act since 2017. 

Hogan began reviewing Policy 713 on April 21, suspending funding to training sessions and preventing department staff from giving presentations about it.

On May 5, a group of protesters appeared outside a New Brunswick Teachers' Association career-day event, holding signs calling educators "perverts" and sharing debunked conspiracy theories about children using litter boxes in schools. That's when the province confirmed it is reviewing the policy because of "misinterpretations and concerns."

When Child and Youth Advocate Kelly Lamrock asked the province to provide all correspondence that shows these concerns, he received copies of three emails. All three contain anti-LGBTQ sentiment, with one calling LGBTQ education "marxist ideology," and another denying that trans people exist and mentioning debunked conspiracy theories.

Sivalangam said hate against LGBTQ people has been on the rise. Just this week, the federal government announced $1.5 million for pride organizations to increase their security during events.

Protecting children from abuse

Gail Costello of Pride in Education helped implement the policy. She was a teacher for 30 years and said she's seen children kicked out of their homes, living on park benches and abused because their parents found out they were queer. She said this is why the policy says the school should check with the child before involving parents in the conversation.

Higgs cited "rights of parents to know" if their child is using a different name and pronoun in school. When asked if that means even homophobic parents, he said "I'm not distinguishing one parent from another." 

The premier has also said he's questioning whether allowing transgender girls to play on girls' sports teams would affect "fairness" for non-trans players. The New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletics Association, which represents all school sports, has previously said there have been no concerns about fairness, and it's received zero complaints about trans kids in the last decade.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hadeel Ibrahim is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick based in Saint John. She reports in English and Arabic. Email: hadeel.ibrahim@cbc.ca.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
 
35 Comments 
 
 
 
David Amos   
Deja Vu Anyone?

A branch of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association was formed in Fredericton in 1969 under President John Oliver, with about sixty members, and continued to operate until 1975. During its first year, it established a legal aid office and came to the defence of Tom Murphy, a writer for the student newspaper at the University of New Brunswick. Murphy had written a column on the recent barring of a professor from the university, Norman Strax, accusing the courts of perpetrating a mockery of justice and being tools of the corporate elite. The Fredericton CCLA flew in Alan Borovoy from Toronto to challenge the charge against Murphy of scandalizing the courts. Borovoy argued that the Crown must prove actual interference in the administration of justice, but he lost the case and Murphy spent ten days in jail.

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1689249332 

 
 
David Amos  
"When Child and Youth Advocate Kelly Lamrock asked the province to provide all correspondence that shows these concerns, he received copies of three emails. "

I sent that lawyer a lot more than 3 emails since I served hard copy of my concerns upon him in 2004

 
 
 
 
Ronald Miller
Once again this gov't made the rights decisions, as they almost always do. The anti-HIggs/PC group must now look for another crumb to nibble on in opposition.
 
 
SarahRose Werner 
Reply to Ronald Miller 
The government made the right decisions once their legal counsel explained the human rights laws to them. 
 
 
David Amos  
Content Deactivated
Reply to Ronald Miller  
Do ya see any crumbs from Cardy's butter tarts?
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Ronald Miller
Too Too Funny
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to SarahRose Werner  
Informing parents about their children is a human rights violation of some kind?  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Ronald Miller  
Did you notice Higgy's buddy was at the protest pictured above?  
 
 
SarahRose Werner 
Reply to Ronald Miller 
If it's to the detriment of the child, then yes.   
 
 
 
 
 
Ronald Miller
First off, good luck with any lawsuit, it would go no where and simply waste time and resources for everyone. I am guessing, like many things this gov't has brought forward, that people ended getting all worked up over nothing. 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Ronald Miller   
Is this proof of the pudding?

Judge says defamation law will eventually tame internet

Blogger Charles LeBlanc ordered to pay $2,925 in court costs to Fredericton as lawsuit dismissed

Alan White · CBC News · Posted: Mar 21, 2017 3:00 PM ADT

 
 
 
 

N.B. minister makes 3 changes to LGBTQ-protection policy

Changes regarding self-identification, sports participation and gender-neutral washrooms take effect July 1

After weeks of controversy, New Brunswick's minister of education unveiled three changes to a policy protecting LGBTQ students in schools, including no longer making it mandatory for teachers and staff to respect the chosen names and pronouns of children under 16 without parental consent. 

Bill Hogan said this will allow teachers to "maintain professionalism," and not have to "do something contrary to parents' wishes." 

The review removes a line that says the school must get the student's consent before trying to get a parent's consent to change the child's name on school records. It now says if a child doesn't consent to involving parents, they should be referred to social workers or a mental health professional. 

"We have no intention of telling parents about a child's gender identity if they don't wish us to do so. We're going to encourage them to speak with supportive professionals if they wish, and that's how we're going to proceed," Hogan said. 

Policy 713 was enacted in 2020 after consultations with stakeholders and experts. Child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock, who previously said the entire review process was broken and "incoherent," said he is reviewing the changes and won't be making a public statement Thursday.

"I will provide a Legislative Analysis to the Assembly as per normal practice on legal changes affecting children," he said on social media.

A student with short, dark hair and wearing a gray hoodie and brown shorts, holds  a megaphone from a stage in the foreground, looking out at a crowd of a couple of hundred students. One student in the front row is holding a home-made poster that says Policy 713 saves lives. Students from several New Brunswick, high schools, such as this one in Quispamsis, rallied in support of Policy 713 after the review became public knowledge. (Roger Cosman/CBC)

Hogan said this change addresses the issue of "keeping things hidden" from parents, a concern expressed by the premier after the review was announced.

Name changes on report cards a focus

Most of the changes pertain to what happens when a child requests an official name change on report cards and school systems.

The new policy has no guidelines for what happens when a child under 16 asks to go by a different name or pronoun unofficially. There is now no obligation for a teacher to use a child's chosen name in class, but no clear obligation to tell parents either.

The previous version made it clear that teachers must respect all children's chosen names and pronouns. The new version makes that obligation only relevant for students over 16.

WATCH | Education Minister Bill Hogan says it's 'fundamentally wrong' not to share children's gender identity changes with parents:

New Brunswick’s education minister announces changes to Policy 713

Duration 29:40
Education Minister Bill Hogan reveals three changes to a policy that was designed to protect LGBTQ students.

When asked about the ambiguity this introduces, Hogan said the province won't go on a "witch hunt" and check into classrooms to see how teachers are referring to students, but this change means teachers don't have to "do something contrary to parents' wishes."

He said he understands how not using a child's chosen pronoun or name can cause "trauma," and "may not be preferred by the child," but he said there will be professionals available to "work through that while respecting parents' rights."

Gender identity reference removed

Also now gone from the policy is mention of gender identity when it comes to sports and other activities. The revision says all students will be able to participate in curricular and extracurricular activities that are safe and welcoming, removing the phrase "consistent with their gender identity."

Hogan said the organizations that govern sports and extracurricular activities already have guidelines on this and there's no reason "to get into the middle of that."

The premier had questioned whether allowing transgender girls to play on girls' sports teams would affect "fairness" for non-trans players. The New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletics Association, which represents all school sports, has previously said there have been no concerns about fairness, and it's received zero complaints about trans kids in the last decade.

Private washrooms

The third section under review affirmed students' rights to use the washroom that aligns with their gender identity, and says each school must have at least one gender-neutral washroom. 

The new policy specifies that those universal washrooms be "private."

The minister also added a line that says: "Private and universal change rooms will be available in all schools."

Hogan said the results will come into effect on July 1.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hadeel Ibrahim is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick based in Saint John. She reports in English and Arabic. Email: hadeel.ibrahim@cbc.ca.

 
 
 
 

PC caucus has found a consensus on Policy 713, education minister says

Bill Hogan says Tory ministers and MLAs in ‘full support’ of direction he’ll take

Bill Hogan told reporters at the legislature that his controversial review of the policy is "almost finalized" and would be released before the end of the week. 

He also suggested that any changes will be less than what some people feared.

"I think, at the end of the day, it's going to be, like, 'is that all you were talking about?'"

Caucus on board, minister says

The review provoked a split within the PC cabinet and caucus of Premier Blaine Higgs, with five ministers and two MLAs publicly expressing concerns about how the review might affect LGBTQ students.

But Hogan said Wednesday the caucus is on board after a recent meeting. 

"My understanding is that they're in full support of it … [of] the direction we're going to take," he said.

WATCH | Bill Hogan answers questions about impending 713 decision:

Decision by end of week on policy that guarantees support for LGBTQ students

Duration 0:34
PC caucus fully supports direction the government will take on Policy 713, education minister says.

Asked if that meant there was a consensus among the 29 Tory members, Hogan responded, "I would say yes."

Among the provisions under review is a section that allows students under the age of 16 to adopt new names and pronouns at school without their parents being told.

It's also looking at sections that allow a student to play on sports teams and use washrooms that align with their gender identity.

At least one cabinet minister who has dissented on the review said the situation is still fluid.

"Many discussions are happening obviously all the time," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jeff Carr.

"None of us here, I don't think, have seen any of the changes yet. It's still a moving target. Discussions will continue." 

Last month Carr said governments should be there "to strengthen policies and not take away the rights of marginalized individuals."

On Wednesday he repeated his earlier comments that "my voice inside of caucus is sometimes to my own detriment, but it's loud and proud, and I'll continue to make that argument inside that room."

Public Safety Minister Kris Austin said he was satisfied "so far" with what he's seen from Hogan and he has "full faith in the minister. I know he's worked hard on this."

A man wearing a blue suit with two paintings in the background Last month, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jeff Carr said governments should be there 'to strengthen policies and not take away the rights of marginalized individuals.' (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

"I mean, we'll have to continue to look at it and determine that it strikes that balance, that children are protected and that parents play a part in that as well." 

Hogan said he hopes to announce the revised policy by the end of the week to "get it out of the way before the weekend arrives.

"I want New Brunswickers to understand that we respect the rights of parents and we're going to move forward and ensure that our LGBTQ+ community are protected, as they are today, and we're improving what we have," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

 
 
 
12 Comments 
 
 
 
David Amos   
"I think, at the end of the day, it's going to be, like, 'is that all you were talking about?'"

I told ya it was tempest in a teapot

 
David Amos 
Reply to David Amos 
Its a distraction while they sneak through a bunch of dubious bills
 
 
David Amos 

Reply to David Amos  
"Ministers who can't publicly support a government policy or decision would normally be expected to resign, Wright said.

"But Higgs will be feeling the heat," he added. "Politically, it's never good to lose or fire a cabinet minister. And he certainly doesn't want to precipitate a caucus revolt."

Former education minister Dominic Cardy, who quit last fall over proposed changes to French immersion, says there are plenty of reasons why ministers are reluctant to resign.

"You lose a very large chunk of your salary, you lose access to a government car, different benefits," he said.

"But in the end, what's the point of this job? The point of being an elected official is to serve the people of the province."

A wave of departures could either force Higgs back to the more moderate style he adopted early in his term or push him out, Cardy said."

 
 
 
 
Kyle Woodman

 
 
David Amos
  
Reply to Kyle Woodman 
Nobody cares
 
 
David Amos  

Reply to Kyle Woodman 
Albert County eh?  
 
 
 
 
 
Jackie Barrett  
Now its time for New Brunswick to stop the Irving's from jeopardizing the province's main economic engine and stop the Irving's from selling the company, particularly Arthur and Sarah Irving.
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Jackie Barrett 
Dream on
 
 
John Montgomery 
Reply to Jackie Barrett 
Yes by all means, lets cut all their taxes. That will end up well.
 
 
Jackie Barrett 
Reply to John Montgomery
The Irving Family don't even pay taxes to the New Brunswick Government at all as a majority of their income is in safe haven accounts like Bermuda.

 
 
 
Ray Skavinsky  
Okay, sounds like this will be put to bed and all will be happy. Now let's get together with improving curriculum to give a good education to all the studets. 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Ray Skavinsky 
Yea Right 
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, 25 May 2023

Higgs faces growing dissent from cabinet on LGBTQ policy review

 Lots of folks must see this for what it is by now

 
 

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