Thursday 17 August 2023

The Lamrock factor: Ex-politician's intervention on Policy 713 offers Higgs a lifeline

 

The Lamrock factor: Ex-politician's intervention on Policy 713 offers Higgs a lifeline

Youth advocate’s blunt criticism, call for ‘reasonable’ compromise are hallmarks of his long career

His Progressive Conservatives took power after the previous Liberal government of Brian Gallant lost a confidence vote on its throne speech.

Higgs's team had to draft a throne speech of their own that would set out a common purpose despite clear political divisions in the province.

It required an eloquent articulation of hard realities and get-the-job-done practicality.

Two men shake hands. The man on the left puts his left hand on the man's upper arm while shaking with his right. Premier Brian Gallant, left, shakes the hand of then-Opposition Leader Blaine Higgs, right, after the minority Liberal government was defeated in 2018. After the Liberals lost a confidence vote on its throne speech, Higgs's team had to draft a one of their own. Kelly Lamrock helped draft the speech. (James West/Canadian Press)

Enter Kelly Lamrock.

The former Liberal cabinet minister-turned-NDP candidate-turned PC adviser helped draft the speech.

"Your government seeks common cause with women and men of good faith across party lines," the speech declared with one of Lamrock's trademark rhetorical flourishes.

"New Brunswickers challenged this legislature to place province above party, to embrace shared dreams and reject old grievances," the speech said. "Rising to meet the moment means hard work, honest debate and the potential of new solutions." 

Fast forward almost five years, and Lamrock's report on Policy 713 contained a similar mix of forcefully articulated principles and odes to good-faith compromises.

"There may be more common ground in this discussion than some had feared," said Lamrock, now the province's child and youth advocate.

"Each side's worst perceptions of each other have not generally been born out by the other side." 

Lamrock slammed the recent changes to the policy on LGBTQ students, declaring they violated the rights of children.

But he also called on all sides in the debate to avoid divisive rhetoric.

"We are able to disagree without being disagreeable. We are able to disagree without dehumanizing those who take the other side. … We should all strive to get along." 

That sentiment is a Lamrock hallmark, along with his tendency, on display again Tuesday, to mix smart-boy legalisms with a pinch of Generation-X pop culture references, leavened by displays of self-effacing humility.

At its core, his report is an offer to help rescue Higgs from legal peril over Policy 713 — and another example of how Lamrock has sought to put himself at the centre of the political action for decades.

A woman, left, a small girl playing with a toy, middle, and a man in a suit, right.    In October 2006, while Kelly Lamrock was serving in the Liberal cabinet as education minister, he registered his daughter Kayleigh at Alexander Gibson Memorial School in Fredericton, seen here. During his time as education minister, Lamrock announced the end of early French immersion, a move the courts eventually blocked and he compromised. (Government of New Brunswick)

"I understand the role of the politician," he said Tuesday, an understatement if there ever was one.

Lamrock has long been a big presence in New Brunswick politics, displaying sharp intelligence, tough debating skills and an almost feral appetite to play a role.

He first became prominent as the student president at the University of New Brunswick, criticizing Frank McKenna's Liberal government in 1995 for auditing student loan applicants. 

His own audit and tax records were leaked to the media, earning him sympathy from government critics and name recognition.

Eight years later he ran and was elected as a Liberal — no hard feelings — and as education minister announced the end of early French immersion.

It was a Blaine Higgs-style disruption that angered many parents but that Lamrock defended aggressively and eloquently, until the courts blocked the move and he compromised.

After losing his seat in the next election, he defected to the NDP, a party that appeared to be on the rise with his longtime friend Dominic Cardy as leader.

Two men sitting beside each other with a cluster of microphones in front of them. Kelly Lamrock announced at a 2013 news conference with then-NDP Leader Dominic Cardy that he would be leaving the Liberals to join the NDP. As an NDP candidate in the 2014 election, Lamrock placed fourth with less than 20 per cent of the vote. After his friend Cardy joined the PCs, citing his admiration for Higgs, Lamrock became an informal advisor to the Tory leader. (CBC)

But as a New Democratic candidate in the 2014 election, Lamrock placed fourth with less than 20 per cent of the vote, marking the apparent end of his political phase. 

As a lawyer in private practice, however, Lamrock took on cases that thrust him back into the arena, including a 2015 lawsuit by parents in Brown's Flat to block the Liberal closure of their school.

Lamrock argued the province failed to meet a high standard for consultations — the opposite of the position he took with his own immersion changes in 2008. He lost.

After his friend Cardy joined the PCs, citing his admiration for Higgs, Lamrock became an informal adviser to the Tory leader. 

Higgs appointed him child and youth advocate in 2021, brushing off questions he was favouring him for partisan reasons. 

The premier noted Lamrock had "a history in most [political] parties," but added: "Certainly he's demonstrated his capabilities … no matter what team he's on at the time." 

This spring, however, Higgs appeared to regret the choice after Lamrock waded into the thick of the battle over Policy 713.

First, Lamrock called the review of Policy 713 a "broken and incoherent process" prompted by only three emails.

Then, some PC MLAs understood that Higgs had agreed the caucus could run any eventual changes past Lamrock privately and abide by whatever the child advocate decided.

But that didn't happen, and days after the changes were unveiled, Lamrock called them "shoddy and inadvertently discriminatory."

Higgs shot back that in private, Lamrock had been "more supportive than what we've seen publicly. … Yes, he had some other ideas, but not to the extent that he portrayed today." 

The premier also suggested the fact Lamrock was "very close" to Cardy, who angrily quit as PC education minister over Higgs's approach to French immersion, had coloured his views. 

"There are connections here we know about," Higgs said, sarcastically commenting that it was "amazing" Lamrock criticized the review so quickly after it became known.

A man walks down the steps of a courthouse   As a lawyer in private practice, Lamrock took on cases that thrust him back into the arena, including a 2015 lawsuit by parents in Brown’s Flat to block the Liberal closure of their school. (CBC/Jacques Poitras)

He had appointed Lamrock "in all good faith," he said, "and I guess I expect the best from everyone, and I expect their own individual opinions."

But if Higgs was wishing he'd chosen someone else for the position, he may yet see value in Lamrock's more detailed, exhaustively legalistic report this week.

Yes, it offers a harsh assessment of the new policy.

The changes look like they were "dreamt up in a laboratory with no contact with actual human teenagers," he said, predicting they will be found to violate the Human Rights Act, the Education Act and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

"The law is pretty clear. If they don't want me to tell them, the courts will."

But the document also tries to clear a path for Higgs to back down, presenting Lamrock's own proposed rewrite of the policy.

Notably, his suggestion to leave it to school principals to assess the "capacity" of students younger than 12 to request new names and pronouns is a potential exit ramp for the government.

It would be a step back from an outright ban while still nodding to the role of parents.

"Throughout this process I've remained hopeful that with careful reflection and active listening and respect for expertise, we can achieve a balanced policy that reasonable people can support," Lamrock said Tuesday.

It's classic Lamrock, a humble suggestion that there's a compromise to be had — particularly the one he is mapping out, if Higgs is willing to listen.

"Some governments put people in this job who are just not likely to call them out. I doubt that was my reputation, and even as I call them out, I think it should be noted that government chose to hire somebody like me to do this," he said.

"I always take that to mean they're coming at this in good faith and want the advice."

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


202 Comments 
 
 
 
David Amos
Methinks a former Attorney General who could not get reelected and was not very successful in private practice and within two other political parties is not that wonderful.

Perhaps I should employ a "Higgsonian" quote from this article N'esy Pas?

"Higgs shot back that in private, Lamrock had been "more supportive than what we've seen publicly. … Yes, he had some other ideas, but not to the extent that he portrayed today."

The premier also suggested the fact Lamrock was "very close" to Cardy, who angrily quit as PC education minister over Higgs's approach to French immersion, had coloured his views.

"There are connections here we know about," Higgs said, sarcastically commenting that it was "amazing" Lamrock criticized the review so quickly after it became known."

 
 
 
 
David Amos
Some days it hard to be a Proud Canadian  
 
 
Scott Scott  
Reply to David Amos   
I am struggling with my Canadian Identity and Human Identity ...

Proud, of either, not a word that comes to mind ...

disappointed big-time in Society

 
Scott Scott  
Reply to Scott Scott    
this site sure is Aggressive with the Content Removal ...

you know what I am thinking right now ... can't type it you'll remove it for sure .!..

 
David Amos
Reply to Scott Scott 
Amen
 
 
 
 
 
David Amos

Methinks JT has pushed this gender ID stuff way past too far N'esy Pas? 
 
 
David Amos

Reply to David Amos   
All of my descendants are either a he or a she I don't care what anyone else thinks about it
 
 
 
 
David Amos
Content Deactivated
Lamrock should review all the documents I gave him on June 24th, 2004 
 
 
 
David Amos

Google Higgs Cardy butter tart

Then check note Do ya see the big "-K-" ???

 
 
David Amos

Someone was typing but it failed to make the grade EH?
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele  
Very strange that teachers can't give a child an aspirin , or take them on a field trip , without a signed permission slip from parents ; yet it is okay to reassign a child's name and sexual identify without consulting parents . A strange world indeed....  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Matt Steele 
Go Figure
 
Akimbo Alogo  
Lamrock and Cardy...both wishy washy politicians desperate for attention who will do anything to stay in the limelight, including changing parties...multiple times.
David Amos
Reply to Akimbo Alogo  
Everybody knows
 
 
 
 
Howard O'Toole 
This isn't about the government or teachers wanting to raise your children. It is a narrow policy applicable to a very few situations.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Howard O'Toole
Nay not so 
 
 
 

Akimbo Alogo  
Lamrock...a laughing stock then and now. Poitras not so hot either. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Akimbo Alogo  
Obviously I agree 
 
 
 

Donald Gallant
 
"A policy that potentially places the young and vulnerable into places that are unsafe. Perhaps one..."
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Donald Gallant
It's classic Lamrock, a humble suggestion that there's a compromise to be had — particularly the one he is mapping out, if Higgs is willing to listen.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to David Amos
"Some governments put people in this job who are just not likely to call them out. I doubt that was my reputation, and even as I call them out, I think it should be noted that government chose to hire somebody like me to do this," he said.

"I always take that to mean they're coming at this in good faith and want the advice."

Yea Right Pure lawyer doublespeak

 
 
 
 
Matt Steele  
The most interesting part of this story is that Lamrock and Cardy are best friends , and both seem to have moved from political party to political party looking out for their own best interests as they demanded government favours and jobs for themselves....interesting indeed . I suspect that if Premier Higgs caves on this 713 issue , his political career will be over as parents who believe in Family Values will lose faith in him , and look for somewhere else to park their votes next election . 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Matt Steele  
Hmmm
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele  
At least this 713 issue has increased Premier Higgs's popularity among N.B.ers ; the more media reports about it , the more parents support him , and his family values . A job well done Premier Higgs's , thank you . 
 

David Amos
Reply to Matt Steele 
So you say 
 
 
Scott Scott  
Reply to David Amos  
I say so too

 
 

Eddy Jay 
I want a job as an advocate. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Eddy Jay 
Me too
 
 
 
 
Claire Ross  
Jacques seems obsessed with Higgs.
 
 
Errol Willis 
Reply to Claire Ross  
There is no doubt about that. 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Errol Willis
Ditto


 

Don Corey

Interesting reminder here of some of Lamrock's history with the provincial Liberals.


Michael Cain

Reply to Don Corey
Ridiculous. He has had an exceptional career. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_Lamrock


Don Corey
Reply to Michael Cain
There are those who disagree.


Michael Cain
Reply to Don Corey
Not perfect? Shame.


Michael Cain
Reply to Don Corey
Envy comes to mind.


David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
I do bigtime 


Nicholas Hale  
Reply to Don Corey 
Good thing he's no longer a politician, then.

It seems many in this thread don't understand the nature of advocacy, or that it is a non-partisan role almost by definition, especially in the case of a youth advocate.

 
Don Corey
Reply to Nicholas Hale 
Correction - it was intended (supposedly) to be a non-partisan role. In reality, at least with Lamrock, such is obviously not the case. 
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to Michael Cain
Of what lol? 
 



 
Karl Childers  
Stay the course Mr. Higgs. Majority of Canadians are on the same page.
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Karl Childers  
Even I side with Higgy on this topic and thats saying something  
 
 
SarahRose Werner 
Reply to Karl Childers  
The majority of Canadians - and more to the point, the majority of New Brunswickers - don't care one way or the other. This issue matters mainly to vocal minorities on either end of the political spectrum.  
 
 
Jim Lake
Reply to Karl Childers  
In my humble opinion, you are completely wrong … the majority of Canadhav3 a far more progressive view and res for diversity and human dignity. 
 
 
Jim Lake
Reply to Jim Lake   
… the majority of Canadians have a far more progressive view and respect for diversity and human dignity 


Graham McCormack 
Reply to Karl Childers    
Please back up that claim with something real.  
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Is it ever. 
 
 
Michael Cain  
Reply to Karl Childers  
Yes, stay the course. Looks like the end of the road for Mr. Higgs. 
 
 
Dave Jones 
Reply to Jim Lake   
oh and what facts do you base that on or is that just straight conjecture  
  
 
 
 
 
Don Corey  
Nice to see Jacques Poitras expressing his concerns for Higgs, and the "lifeline" that Lamrock has provided. 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Don Corey
Surely you jest 
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Correct.
 
 
Claire Ross 
Reply to Don Corey
Lol
 
 
 
 
 
Michel Pelletier
what's the use, Higg's does not listen 
 
 
David Amos

Reply to Michel Pelletier
Do liberals?
 
 
SarahRose Werner 
Reply to Michel Pelletier
No, but Lamrock's report was the result of an opposition motion, and you can bet Holt is listening. You can bet the school staff unions are listening too. Lamrock's report gives them fuel, and I hope they use it well. 
 
 
Geordan Mann 
Reply to SarahRose Werner 
Who cares if Holt is listening other than the already entrenched liberal devotees? She can barely string sentences together and was part of the Gallant inner circle. Higgs is absolutely ridiculous but if you are turning to her as your saviour, good luck with that. 
 
 
Michel Pelletier
Reply to Michel Pelletier
not often that I see people having good reasoning on what they write and say. Except for you, your comment is exactly on the spot. Thanks for you feedback, because you exactly right. 
 
 
Scott Scott 
Reply to Michel Pelletier 
he is listening to common sense .. .Parents should not be excluded when it comes to raising their Children ....
 
 
Michel Pelletier
Reply to Scott Scott 
they should be included but with the help of profesional 
 
 
Scott Scott 
Reply to Michel Pelletier
that seems reasonable ... depends on the Professional though ... there are no shortage of Quacks ...
 
 
 
 
 
Michael Cain
Union negotiations, first nations, carbon rebate, the "chicken dance", clean fuel surcharge, fair taxation of the oligarch, royalties, etc., a very long list. Higgs has had plenty of opportunities to correct mistakes and make amends for many of his decisions. Enough, time for him to go.
 
 
Archie MacDaniel
Content Deactivated
Reply to Michael Cain
 

Michael Cain
Reply to Archie MacDaniel
No endorsement here. 
 

Don Corey
Content Deactivated

Reply to Michael Cain


Michael Cain
Reply to Don Corey
I only gave a small sample. If you think you can improve on his accomplishments, let's see your list.


Ronald Miller
Reply to Michael Cain
Aren't you going to blame Higgs for the housing crisis that has been fueled by poor to no policies from JT?


Ronald Miller
Reply to Michael Cain
Union negotiations? The Higgs gov't has successfully settled a number of contracts some with record wage increases and messes left behind by the previous gov't.


Ronald Miller
Reply to Michael Cain
I have provided that list many times.


Ronald Miller

Reply to Michael Cain
Fair taxation? Higgs has lowered taxes in all brackets while JT keeps piling them on, where have you been?


Ronald Miller
Reply to Michael Cain
Taxation of the bigger companies is no different now than it has been under all previous gov'ts, understand how big business is dealt with, some reading might help.


Ronald Miller
Reply to Michael Cain
Carbon rebate - people are getting rebate checks while our gov't also maintains our breaks at the pump and at income tax time, well done Higgs.................. again.


Don Corey

Reply to Michael Cain
The carbon taxes belong to Trudeau; all governments must inevitably deal with unions (unless they pull a Gallant and just defer things to another government); the crown royalty rates should have been adjusted much sooner, but the Liberals would have done no better. Yes, the chicken dance made for a good laugh though.

Nothing here to "make amends" for.


Ronald Miller
Reply to Don Corey
Without even knowing it he has endorsed this gov't because he can't even make a list without including things installed by another gov't or a "dance". I am with you, I can't explain that one either. We are lucky here in NB when a "dance" has become an "issue". I'd make a list of JT but I think we would run out of room, and I don't need any "dance" or taxes from another gov't to fill it up.


Michael Cain
Reply to Don Corey
Ridiculous! Higgs ripped us off our rebates for 3 years, had a chance to make amends. The rest is nonsense.


Don Corey
Reply to Michael Cain
Get over the rebate. At least it all stayed in the province.

The rest is also the truth.


Michael Cain

Reply to Don Corey
Ridiculous! The rest is more story from the tory.


David Amos

Reply to Don Corey
Lamrock should review all the documents I gave him and TJ Burke at 710 Queen St. on June 24th, 2004. They cannot deny that the Attorney General, the Law Society, the Judicial Council, two Lt. Governors, Governor General, the Police Commission and even the dude who held his current position answered me in writing in 2004 years before they became Attorney Generals.

 
Archie MacDaniel
Reply to Michael Cain
You did it without even knowing it.


Archie MacDaniel
Reply to Michael Cain
The fact you support one party no matter now badly they perform, and oppose another no matter who well they have performed, and have done it blindly your entire life you have always been, and always will be easy to prove wrong.


Don Corey
Reply to Michael Cain
Check the facts. And we are not the poorest province, despite your false allegations to the contrary.


Don Corey
Reply to David Amos
Interesting, to say the least.


Don Corey
Reply to Michael Cain
The money was much better spent on reducing our debt than buying loto and scratch tickets.


Michael Cain

Reply to Don Corey
The poorest province in Canada, always looking for handouts from Ottawa; couldn't exist without them.

 
 
 
 
Mike May 
Lamrock, the man ho single-handedly destroyed early French immersion in the only officially bilingual province in Canada! 
 
 
David Amos

Reply to Mike May  
Is he your hero?
 
 
 
 
Daniel Franklin 
I've seen Kelly perform stand-up comedy and he is as hilarious as he is intelligent. A great gift for NB to have. 
 
 
David Amos 
Content Deactivated
Reply to Daniel Franklin  
Welcome to the circus  
 
 
David Amos

Reply to David Amos
Send in the Clown 
 
 
David Amos 

Reply to David Amos
The many sides of Kelly Lamrock: Youth advocate and former politician hits the stage

A love of acting and comedy complements work as an advocate, he says

Vanessa Moreau · CBC News · Posted: Jan 21, 2023 8:00 AM AST

"Lamrock has had a passion for acting and stand-up comedy since his school days, and he doesn't plan to stop now. I guess there's a few of us crazy folks who like to put on shows."

 
Don Corey
Reply to David Amos 
 I doubt that Higgs sees much comedy in Lamrock's report.

Then again, there are no "surprises" either.

 
David Amos 

Reply to Don Corey
Its his circus Higgy loves it when another clown enters the fray particularly Cardy's buddy

"Higgs shot back that in private, Lamrock had been "more supportive than what we've seen publicly. … Yes, he had some other ideas, but not to the extent that he portrayed today."

The premier also suggested the fact Lamrock was "very close" to Cardy, who angrily quit as PC education minister over Higgs's approach to French immersion, had coloured his views.

"There are connections here we know about," Higgs said, sarcastically commenting that it was "amazing" Lamrock criticized the review so quickly after it became known."


 
 
Robert Losier 
And yet why will it be so if the current Premier decides to run again he will win again?
 
 
Warren Christopher
Reply to Robert Losier  
Because you bought the high performance crystal ball?  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Robert Losier  
Survey Says??? 
 
 


 
Michael Collins  
Content Deactivated
Anyone that takes advice from Mr.Lamrock deserves what they get. The phrase "self serving backstabber" comes to mind. But that just someones else's description and opinion.  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Michael Collins 
Most lawyers and all politicians come to mind when I hear that phrase  
 
 
 
 
 
Donald LeBlanc 
Believe he was first with the NDP, in his younger years. He was apparently still listed as NDP on his online profile as of 2021 or perhaps later. A surprise to some that he was working for Higgs behind the scenes. Then the appointment by Higgs; one has to wonder the reasoning, some are not wondering. 
 
 
Matt Steele
Content Deactivated 
Reply to Donald LeBlanc  
Lamrock was also with the Liberals , sort of a spin the wheel of political parties....no doubt in his own best interests . 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Donald LeBlanc  
Deja Vu Anyone?

Kelly Lamrock bolts to Dominic Cardy's NDP

CBC News · Posted: Feb 14, 2013 10:48 AM AST

"Lamrock briefly flirted with running for the Liberal leadership, but ended up endorsing Michael Murphy. Murphy lost to Brian Gallant last October.

He told reporters on Thursday that one of the reasons he left the Liberals is because his centre-left ideas were being rejected by Gallant.

"Certainly the new leader has a mandate. He's made it very clear that party is going to move to the right and those things that I talked about are not part of the plan," Lamrock said.

Gallant issued a statement on Thursday saying he looked forward on working with Lamrock in the future.

"Kelly Lamrock served the Liberal party well. We are happy to see his continued involvement in provincial politics, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours," Gallant said.

"We look forward to working with him and people of all political stripes for the betterment of our province."

Cardy said the conversations with Lamrock started around his party’s pair of anti-patronage bills.

"I invited Mr. Lamrock to work with me on the anti-patronage bills that yesterday were adopted by the government. Based on our conversations it became clear we had a lot in common and that we share concerns and hopes for the future of our province," Cardy said in a statement.

The Progressive Conservative government announced on Wednesday it would introduce Cardy’s bills."

 
 
 
Murray Brown 
Typically this type of politician is referred to as an ‘opportunist’.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to
Murray Brown 
Yup

 

 
Toby Tolly
Content Deactivated

jacques rambling again?


Graham McCormack
Reply to Toby Tolly
He's not wrong.
 

David Amos
Content Deactivated

Reply to Toby Tolly
Yup


David Amos
Reply to Toby Tolly
Its just one of those things he does that few seem to appreciate




Matt Steele
Content Deactivated
At least one thing that the story has right is that Lamrock and Cardy are friends , and both have moved from political party to political party looking out for their own best interests as they demanded government favours and jobs for themselves . I suspect that if Premier Higgs caves on this 713 issue , his political career will be over as parents who believe in Family Values will lose faith in him , and look for somewhere else to park their votes next election .


Ronald Miller
Reply to Matt Steele
I think some further compromise could make more people happy and in agreement with the changes. It is obviously a very hot topic and the people in opposition to it have used "fear" tactics to push their side of the argument, which does not help anyone.

If this can be handled well it simply solidifies this gov't even more for the next election and in the end, the important thing is to keep the opposition out of premier's office and undoing all the good work that they have done. Ottawa is a strong reminder of what can happen when the left takes power and NBers simply can't afford that.


Donald LeBlanc
Reply to Matt Steele
Malarkey.


Donald LeBlanc
Reply to Ronald Miller
Sorry Matt, the Malarkey was for Roland.


Donald LeBlanc
Reply to Donald LeBlanc
Ronald. :)


SarahRose Werner
Reply to Matt Steele
If Higgs does not give ground on this issue, he'll lose the votes of Progressive Conservative voters who consider being progressive socially to be as important as being conservative economically.


David Amos
Content Deactivated

Reply to Ronald Miller
Do you really think a lawyer who went from being a liberal Attorney General to being a big cheese in the NDP then on to a PC backroom dude who took a political patronage appointment will be successful in resolving this nonsense? 
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to SarahRose Werner
He'll lose a few votes for sure. But really, this issue is not anywhere close to being on the radar of most NB'ers.
 
 
Don Corey
Reply to Ronald Miller
True.  
 
 
SarahRose Werner
Reply to
Don Corey
Which shoots holes in Matt's argument. 



 

DECs move to accept advocate's gender-identity policy, urge government to do the same

Councils working together to review recommended policy, but each district will have separate vote

Some district education councils in New Brunswick are moving to accept an alternative gender-identity school policy, and say the best way forward is for the province to heed legal warnings about the policy now in effect.

Anglophone South District Education Council Chair Roger Nesbitt said the council met this week and intends to vote in the policy recommended by child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock.

"I found no fault with his report and I agree with what he said," Nesbitt said.

No council has yet voted on the Lamrock idea, and their next meetings are in late August or early September.

Education Minister Bill Hogan, who changed Policy 713 this summer, has said it now makes it mandatory for school staff to deny students' request to informally change pronouns if they're under 16 and their parents don't consent.

WATCH | Are pronoun changes actually banned in classrooms? Lamrock says it's not clear: 
 

New Brunswick child advocate slams LGBTQ school policy changes

Duration 2:02
Child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock says New Brunswick’s revised gender-identity school policy violates children's Charter rights. The changes make it mandatory to deny requests from kids under 16 to use a specific name or pronoun unless their parents consent.

But in a report presented this week, Lamrock found that the province's revision, with its attempt to recognize parental rights, violated children's rights and ignored advice from medical professionals and mental health experts. 

He came to this conclusion after two months of consultations with parents who support the current policy, and parents who don't. He spoke with medical, educational and legal experts. He said he reviewed 500 written submissions and conducted 50 interviews.

Grade 6 would be line

All versions of the policy -- the original one passed in 2020, the one revised this summer and Lamrock's proposal —  require parental consent for name and pronoun changes in official records such as report cards for kids under 16.

The original policy passed in 2020 put no age limit on respecting a child's chosen pronoun informally and verbally. Lamrock's recommended policy would allow kids to informally change their pronouns starting at Grade 6, or at about 12 years old.

Lamrock said kids 12 or older should be presumed to have capacity to make decisions that are at odds with their parents' views. The Grade 6 limit is also in policies in Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, he said.

For kids under Grade 6, Lamrock said it should be up to the principal to talk to the child and decide if parents and mental health professionals need to be consulted before respecting the chosen pronoun.

Both anglophone and francophone district councils have said the best way forward is for the province to accept the recommended policy before school starts.

"We have to have something that tells us clearly what we have to do," said Ghislaine Foulem, chair of francophone north-east council. 

She said she can't say for sure whether her council will vote to accept Lamrock's policy, but said they've already passed a motion that says their first priority is the student.

Higgs's concern is about parents

When Lamrock released his report, Premier Blaine Higgs and Hogan both said they need time to review the recommendations before responding. Higgs said Tuesday that the provincial policy takes precedence, but if councils want to pass their own policies, they should consider parents.

"My thought would be that parents need to play a role in that decision of the DECs. And if they have gone and asked parents, and that's been the parents decision, then I guess we'd have to understand that," Higgs said.

WATCH | Premier Blaine Higgs says his position on parents' role hasn't changed:
 

Premier Blaine Higgs says new report on gender-identity policy for schools doesn’t change his position on parents’ role

Duration 0:54
Premier Blaine Higgs says parents should be involved in how district education councils decide to implement Policy 713

On Friday, Higgs did not respond to CBC questions about whether he would "understand" councils adopting Lamrock's policy, since he consulted parents. Higgs also did not answer questions about whether he's read Lamrock's report.

'We were vindicated'

Nesbitt said he's working with all four anglophone councils to see if they can adopt Lamrock's policy uniformly.

"I've gotten some responses back saying yes, they believe they're headed in that direction."

Anglophone East chair Harry Doyle said Lamrock's report was a relief.

"We were vindicated for the work that we've done, because Kelly Lamrock has come out very strongly in support of the general principles that we used," he said.

Before Lamrock's report, the majority of the province's district education councils had passed motions that would mandate respecting all children's pronouns regardless of age.

They said their duty is to protect children, and school psychologists say denying a child's chosen pronoun causes more harm than using it.

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.

 
 
 
 
 

Advocate says N.B.'s gender-identity policy violates children's rights

Kelly Lamrock was ordered to hold consultations on controversial Policy 713 for province's schools

Child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock says changes to a gender-identity policy for the New Brunswick school system violate the provincial Human Rights Act, the Education Act and children's charter rights.

In June, Education Minister Bill Hogan said he changed Policy 713 on sexual orientation and gender identity to make it mandatory to deny a request from a child under 16 to use a specific name or pronoun unless parents consent.

After a review of the policy, Lamrock said Tuesday that parents do have a right to guide their children.

But the revised policy grants parents an effective "veto" on their child's identity until they're 16, and that violates children's rights to privacy, equality and accommodation, said Lamrock, who is a lawyer and former education minister.

Medium shot of man standing outdoors Premier Blaine Higgs, attending an Aug. 15 celebration in Bouctouche on Tuesday, said he plans on reviewing Kelly Lamrock's report in the coming days. (Pascal Raiche-Nogue/Radio-Canada)

He said children's rights can't be ignored and have to be measured against parental rights.

"The parents do not have the right to a state apparatus to force their child to live by their values," he said in a news conference.

Premier Blaine Higgs said later that he plans to read the report over the coming days.

"I'm sure at the end of it all there's a role for parents in raising their kids in every aspect," he said. "Maybe there's something in [the report] that will help us move along, but my belief in the role of parents is certainly as it has always been."

Lamrock recommended that staff verbally respect all students' pronouns without need for parental consent if they're in Grade 6 or higher.

He suggested that if children under Grade 6 request an informal name or pronoun change, it should be up to the principal to decide if the child has enough capacity to make that decision. The principal could make a plan to help the child connect to their parents, and could consult mental health professionals if in doubt, Lamrock recommends.

WATCH | Are pronoun changes actually banned in classrooms? Lamrock says it's not clear: 
 

Child and youth advocate says gender-identity policy for schools is too vague

Duration 1:16
New Brunswick’s child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock released a 100-page report about the Higgs government's revision of Policy 713 meant to protect LGBTQ students.

Changes to official records, such as report cards, for kids under 16 have always required parental consent, and Lamrock did not recommend changes to that rule.

Lamrock's recommendations are not binding, so there's no guarantee the province will change the policy as he suggested. However, he said his recommendations can provide more certainty for district education councils making their own comprehensive policies.

Hogan previously said provincial policies take precedence, but Lamrock disagrees in this case, saying Hogan's policy is vague and unclear.

"Provincial policies takes precedence where provincial policy is clear," he said. "Where a policy is vague, the districts can fill in the details.

Lamrock wrote that parents do have a right to be able to guide their children in a manner appropriate to the child's age, maturity and development. The current policy, however, in attempting to maintain parental rights, places too many limits on children's rights, he said.

Man in suit, reflected in camera viewfinder in foreground New Brunswick's Minister of Education Bill Hogan has said he wants to read the report in the coming days before responding. (Radio-Canada)

In an emailed statement, Hogan said he is not ready to comment on Lamrock's findings.

"I will be taking the necessary time to review Mr. Lamrock's report and will provide further comments only after my review is complete," he said.

Parents, experts supported parental rights but not Higgs's policy

In the spring, in an opposition motion passed by the legislature, Lamrock was ordered to conduct full consultations and review the changes Hogan made to Policy 713.

Over two months, he spoke with legal, education, mental health and medical experts, as well as parents and students. He released his report Tuesday, making 24 recommendations and suggesting new wording to the policy that he said would not break the law.

WATCH | Premier Blaine Higgs says his position on parents' role hasn't changed: 
 

Premier Blaine Higgs says new report on gender-identity policy for schools doesn’t change his position on parents’ role

Duration 0:54
Premier Blaine Higgs says parents should be involved in how district education councils decide to implement Policy 713

Lamrock said he heard lots of support for parental rights. In fact, no one he heard from spoke against parents, he said.

"No one opposed parents playing a large or significant role," he said. "Or to be excluded or deleted in any way."

Higgs and Hogan previously said the goal of the changes was to maintain a parent's right to know what's going on with their children in school. Hogan has previously said the goal is also to give parents power to stop children from using certain pronouns.

"If a parent doesn't want their child to be referred to as they … would prefer, that's a parent's right," Hogan said on May 19. "

Lamrock said some people who were adamantly in favour of Higgs approach and parental rights paused once they understood what the current 713 actually asks teachers to do. Lamrock gave an example of a doctor who said he's in favour of the current policy, but admitted he would never deny a child's request for a specific pronoun, even if their parents requested that.

"It is not bigoted for a parent to want to know about their child's major decision," Lamrock wrote in his 90-page report. "It is not extreme to want children to have privacy and autonomy when they are mature and old enough to exercise it."

Lamrock also said some parents who didn't want the school to use their child's chosen pronouns said "the state does not own my children."

"That is absolutely true … I must add however that we as parent also don't own our children. No one owns children," Lamrock said.

Policy 'performative,' 'moot'

Hogan's changes made it mandatory to send children under 16 to a school psychologist or social worker if they don't want to include their parents, to come up with a plan to involve those parents.

WATCH | The new version of Policy 713 is now in effect. Will it even be used?: 
 

CBC Explains: Why some schools may not even use Higgs’s Policy 713

Duration 1:42
Most of New Brunswick’s district education councils are creating their own version of Policy 713, undoing the controversial changes made by the Blaine Higgs government.

Lamrock emphasized the response from school psychologist and social workers. Those professionals said if a child was referred to them, the first thing they'd do is respect their request to use a certain name or pronoun. They said denying the child's request would automatically bring their professional competence into question because it causes harm. 

Lamrock said Hogan's policy is "somewhat performative," because it can't be followed by the professionals it mentions.

"[Its] only tangible outcome is to inflict further bureaucracy … until it's rendered moot," he said.

In addition to the parental notification changes, Hogan added a minimum requirement for universal change rooms, on top of the already-mandated universal washrooms. And he removed any reference to gender identity in the section that deals with extracurricular activities.

Lamrock's report focused on parental notification, but he did recommend that "gender identity" be added back, maintaining children's right to participate in sports teams that match how they identify.

He also recommended the policy provide guidance on accessibility and quality of private universal washrooms and change rooms.

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.

 
 

Saturday, 21 January 2023

The many sides of Kelly Lamrock: Youth advocate and former politician hits the stage

 ---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 14:00:20 -0400
Subject 
YO Dominic Cardy how can you Conservatives brag of buying Butter Tarts when CBC tells me you dudes have to sell your HQ? Yet you wackos want control of our provincial economy"

To: "Jacques.Poitras" <Jacques.Poitras@cbc.ca>, "ht.lacroix" <ht.lacroix@cbc.ca>, 
jesse <jesse@viafoura.com>, "Armitage, Blair" <Blair.Armitage@sen.parl.gc.ca>, 
"dan. bussieres" <dan.bussieres@gnb.ca>, 
 David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>,
ethics-ethique <ethics-ethique@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, mcohen <mcohen@trumporg.com>, 
djtjr <djtjr@trumporg.com>, washington field <washington.field@ic.fbi.gov>, 
"Boston.Mail" <Boston.Mail@ic.fbi.gov>, jbosnitch <jbosnitch@gmail.com>, 
andre <andre@jafaust.com>, "David.Coon" <David.Coon@gnb.ca>, 
"brian.gallant"<brian.gallant@gnb.ca>, briangallant10 <briangallant10@gmail.com>, 
"Dominic.Cardy" <Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca>, postur <postur@for.is>, 
nmoore <nmoore@bellmedia.ca>, david <david@lutz.nb.ca>
Cc: pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, "Bill.Morneau" <Bill.Morneau@canada.ca>,
"Gerald.Butts" <Gerald.Butts@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>, 
"Norman.Sabourin" <Norman.Sabourin@cjc-ccm.gc.ca>, 
"Giroux, Marc A :FJA" <marc.giroux@fja-cmf.gc.ca>, 
"Joly, Philippe :HoC" <philippe.joly@cie.parl.gc.ca>, "Dawson, Mary :HoC"
<mary.dawson@cie.parl.gc.ca>, "Regan, Geoff - M.P. :HoC"
<geoff.regan@parl.gc.ca>, "ETHI@parl.gc.ca" <ETHI@parl.gc.ca>,
"cullen1@parl.gc.ca" <cullen1@parl.gc.ca>, "Zimmer, Bob - M.P. :HoC"
<bob.zimmer@parl.gc.ca>, "Erskine-Smith, Nathaniel - M.P. :HoC"
<nathaniel.erskine-smith@parl.gc.ca>, "Baylis, Frank - M.P. :HoC"
<frank.baylis@parl.gc.ca>, "Dubourg, Emmanuel - Député :HoC"
<emmanuel.dubourg@parl.gc.ca>, "Fortier, Mona - Députée :HoC"
<Mona.Fortier@parl.gc.ca>, "Gourde, Jacques - Député :HoC"
<jacques.gourde@parl.gc.ca>, "Kent, Peter - M.P. :HoC"
<peter.kent@parl.gc.ca>, "Murray, Joyce - M.P. :HoC"
<joyce.murray@parl.gc.ca>, "Picard, Michel - Député :HoC" <michel.picard@parl.gc.ca>, 
"Saini, Raj - M.P. :HoC" <raj.saini@parl.gc.ca>, 
"Chagger, Bardish - M.P. :HoC"<bardish.chagger@parl.gc.ca>,
mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, "Joly, Mélanie - M.P. :HoC" <melanie.joly@parl.gc.ca>, 
"Ferguson, Michael :OAG" <Michael.Ferguson@oag-bvg.gc.ca>, 
"janice.leahy" <janice.leahy@gnb.ca>, "Furey, John" <jfurey@nbpower.com>, 
wharrison <wharrison@nbpower.com>, ecdesmond <ecdesmond@nbeub.ca>,
"Kim.MacPherson" <Kim.MacPherson@gnb.ca>, 
"Easter, Wayne - M.P. :HoC" <wayne.easter@parl.gc.ca>, 
"hon.ralph.goodale" <hon.ralph.goodale@canada.ca>, 
"Scheer, Andrew - M.P. :HoC" <andrew.scheer@parl.gc.ca>, 
"Bernier, Maxime - Député :HoC" <maxime.bernier@parl.gc.ca>, 
"Harder, Peter" <Peter.Harder@sen.parl.gc.ca>, 
 "Brisebois, Jocelyne :HoC" <jocelyne.brisebois@cie.parl.gc.ca>, 
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Cardy, Dominic (LEG)" <Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca>
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 17:22:47 +0000
Subject: Hamish's birthday
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Cc: "Wright, Hamish (LEG)" <Hamish.Wright@gnb.ca>

Dear Mr. Amos,

As a regular correspondent I thought you would like to know that it's
Hamish's 20th birthday! We even gave him some butter tarts in your
honour! I'm sure he'd appreciate a note.

Have a good weekend, best wishes,

Dominic

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/progressive-conversative-headquarters-sale-fundraising-1.4484153

David Amos
Strange just today Dominic Cardy was bragging to me they have lots of
money to spend on Butter Tarts

Methinks the PCs are gonna lose the electin bitime with him as Mr
Higgs' Chief of Staff N'esy Pas?

(Piss Poor spelling a grammer I know but the real question is will CBC
even allow the comment o stand the test of time EH Jacques Poitras and
Hubby Lacroix?)




---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos motomaniac333@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2017 14:57:57 -0400
Subject: Yo Brucey Baby is that your signature I see on the note with the treats from Mr Higgs that your buddy Dominic Cardy sent?
To: kelly@lamrockslaw.com, david@lutz.nb.ca, David.Coon@gnb.ca, blaine.higgs@gnb.ca, brian.gallant@gnb.ca, briangallant10@gmail.com, bruce.fitch@gnb.ca, Brian.kenny@gnb.ca,  Dale.Morgan@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, kirk.macdonald@gnb.ca, postur@for.is, newsroom@globeandmail.ca, Bill.Morneau@canada.ca, bill.pentney@justice.gc.ca, jan.jensen@justice.gc.ca
Cc: david.raymond.amos@gmail.com, bruce.northrup@gnb.ca, Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca


http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.ca/2017/11/yo-blaine-higgs-i-just-called-and-tried.html

Thursday, 2 November 2017

Yo Blaine Higgs I just called and tried to talk to your buddy Hamish
Wright Trust that I don't care that Dominic Cardy is concerned about
his fondness for butter tarts

 Yo Mr Cardy Do Ya Think This Dude Cares About Your Dumb Puffin?

---------- Original message ----------
From: Póstur FOR postur@for.is
Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2017 16:16:32 +0000
Subject: Re: Yo Mr Higgs I updated the blog for the benefit of your mindless assistant, your pal Chucky "The Welfare Bum" Leblanc and his many LIEbrano buddies for obvious reasons N'esy Pas David Coon?
To: David Amos motomaniac333@gmail.com


Erindi þitt hefur verið móttekið  / Your request has been received

Kveðja / Best regards
Forsætisráðuneytið  / Prime Minister's Office



---------- Original message ----------
From: "Gallant, Premier Brian (PO/CPM)" <Brian.Gallant@gnb.ca>
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 18:00:25 +0000
Subject: RE: YO Dominic Cardy how can you Conservatives brag of buying Butter Tarts 

when CBC tells me you dudes have to sell your HQ? Yet you wackos want control of 
our provincial economy"
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>

Thank you for writing to the Premier of New Brunswick.  Please be
assured  that your email will be reviewed.

If this is a media request, please forward your email to
media-medias@gnb.camedia-medias@gnb.ca
>.  Thank you!

******************************

*******

Nous vous remercions d’avoir communiqué avec le premier ministre du
Nouveau-Brunswick.  Soyez assuré(e) que votre  courriel sera examiné.

Si ceci est une demande médiatique, prière de la transmettre à
media-medias@gnb.camedia-medias@gnb.ca>.  Merci!
 

Hey do ya think your buddy Kelly Lamrock read all the comments in CBC today before they went "Poof"???

  

David Amos

<david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Sat, Jan 21, 2023 at 8:43 PM
To: "blaine.higgs" <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, Kelly.A.Lamrock@gnb.ca, heidi.cyr@gnb.ca, Nathalie.G.Drouin@pco-bcp.gc.ca, Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca, georges.r.savoie@neguac.com, "David.Coon" <David.Coon@gnb.ca>, "kris.austin" <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, "Rene.Legacy" <Rene.Legacy@gnb.ca>, "robert.mckee" <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>, "Robert. Jones" <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, jbosse3058@gmail.com, "robert.gauvin" <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, "Dorothy.Shephard" <Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca>, "charles.murray" <charles.murray@gnb.ca>, Ross.Wetmore@gnb.ca, "Bill.Oliver" <Bill.Oliver@gnb.ca>, "Bill.Hogan" <Bill.Hogan@gnb.ca>, rob.moore@parl.gc.ca, John.williamson@parl.gc.ca, kerri.froc@unb.ca, hugh.flemming@gnb.ca, "Mike.Comeau" <Mike.Comeau@gnb.ca>, "Mark.Blakely" <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "martin.gaudet" <martin.gaudet@fredericton.ca>, "Holland, Mike (LEG)" <mike.holland@gnb.ca>, "Michelle.Boutin" <Michelle.Boutin@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, "Bill.Blair" <Bill.Blair@parl.gc.ca>, "Bev.Busson" <Bev.Busson@sen.parl.gc.ca>, "Mitton, Megan (LEG)" <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, "michelle.conroy" <michelle.conroy@gnb.ca>, "andrea.anderson-mason" <andrea.anderson-mason@gnb.ca>, andre <andre@jafaust.com>, Dominic.Cardy@gnb.ca, news@dailygleaner.com, oldmaison@yahoo.com, jbosnitch@gmail.com, "Arseneau, Kevin (LEG)" <kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca>, kevin.leahy@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, ministryofjustice <ministryofjustice@gov.ab.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, "Jacques.Poitras" <Jacques.Poitras@cbc.ca>, ltgov <ltgov@gnb.ca>, briangallant10 <briangallant10@gmail.com>, BrianThomasMacdonald <BrianThomasMacdonald@gmail.com>, vanessa.moreau@cbc.ca
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, "pierre.poilievre" <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, "Katie.Telford" <Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>, "jagmeet.singh" <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, premier <premier@ontario.ca>, Office of the Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nt.ca>, premier <premier@gov.yk.ca>, premier <premier@gov.pe.ca>, premier <premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, PREMIER <PREMIER@gov.ns.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>


https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-many-sides-of-kelly-lamrock-youth.html

Saturday, 21 January 2023

The many sides of Kelly Lamrock: Youth advocate and former politician
hits the stage
 
 
 
 
 

The many sides of Kelly Lamrock: Youth advocate and former politician hits the stage

A love of acting and comedy complements work as an advocate, he says

Mostly the Moment Theatre Co., Lamrock's community theatre company in Fredericton, sets up their shows the night before performances begin, because everyone in the production has a day job.

"Some people play golf in their spare time," he said. "Some people play poker, some people scrapbook and I guess there's a few of us crazy folks who like to put on shows."

Lamrock, and the other actors that make up his theatre company, are performing their latest production, Almost, Maine, Saturday at the Ville in Fredericton.

"You can really do things you love doing, and don't be afraid to do something you love just because it might not be dignified," said Lamrock.

A man in a red shirt and black pants is at the front of a stage next to a man in a white coat and dark pants holding a microphone, with another man wearing a dark shirt, black leather jacket and dark pants playing a white electric guitar. Charles MacTavish, Jordan Dubois, and Kelly Lamrock performing the opening number of a 2011 production of The Wedding Singer. (Submitted by Kelly Lamrock)

Not taking yourself too seriously is something those in politics and law should remember, according to Lamrock, and just one of the lessons that can be learned from the performing arts.

He should know — Lamrock is a former Liberal MLA who held various cabinet positions, including education, social development and attorney general. He then joined the NDP briefly before focusing on his legal practice.

Two men on stage - the one on the left has dark hair and is wearing a black suit with a white dress shirt - and the man on the right has reddish hair, a white long sleeve shirt and green vest with a green bowtie. Kelly Lamrock as The Monster with Charles MacTavish as Dr. Frankenstein in a 2013 production of Young Frankenstein. (Submitted by Kelly Lamrock)

He sees a crossover between his professional skills and those he has developed as an actor and stand-up comedian. 

Lamrock cites John Cleese of Monty Python fame, who, like Lamrock, holds a law degree, as saying both lawyers and comedians focus on taking a premise and following it to a logical conclusion. 

"And that logical exercise, comedy, is all about finding dissonance and absurdity in things we look at and don't think about," said Lamrock. "To find dissonance, you have to find the logic, and that's what lawyers are trained to do. So even though time-wise they're very hived off, there is some commonality." 

Lamrock first found a love of acting when an elementary school teacher challenged him to read Macbeth and rewrite it in modern English for his class to perform. A variety of roles followed all through school and university.

A man in a red shirt and tan jacket stands next to another man in a red patterned shirt and bright teal patterned jacket, gesturing outwards. Kelly Lamrock and fellow comedian Mike Rogers preparing to co-host Match Game at Canvas in Moncton last year. (Submitted by Kelly Lamrock)

His first summer job was acting with the Calithumpians in Fredericton, and he stayed with them for several years. He admits to having applied to theatre schools after high school graduation and receiving call backs, but ultimately decided to keep it as a hobby.

"In the end, law school beckoned," said Lamrock, adding that he also sees community theatre as a means to creative freedom. 

"You might be acting in smaller venues, but you get to choose your shows and do things like Avenue Q, Hello Dolly and Almost, Maine. It beats auditioning for Chrysler commercials."

Almost, Maine, written by John Cariani, stars Kelly Lamrock, Eryn Frawley, Neil Mundell and Karla Pooley, playing multiple characters in an immersive play about one magical night in the fictional small town of Almost. 

The show is Saturday at 8 p.m., and all proceeds will be donated to Inclusion N.B. It's one of the ways Lamrock sees his passion for performing complementing his professional work as an advocate — he donates all proceeds from his shows to charities.

Lamrock pegs the play as a "gentle comedy," reminiscent of other feel-good small town stories such as Gilmore Girls or Northern Exposure

"I really am drawn to theatre that tells us a little something about who we are," said Lamrock.

"Sometimes it's the quieter moments in plays that we find out something a little unusual, a little quirky about a character and next thing you know we've learned a little something about ourselves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vanessa Moreau is a journalist with CBC New Brunswick in Moncton. You can send story tips to vanessa.moreau@cbc.ca.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices| 
 
 
 
21 Comments
 
 
 
David Amos
CONTENT DEACTIVATED
Methinks everybody knows I am gonna have a lot of fun today N'esy Pas?
 
 
 
David Amos
CONTENT DEACTIVATED
Deja Vu Anyone?

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/kelly-lamrock-bolts-to-dominic-cardy-s-ndp-1.1315311

Kelly Lamrock bolts to Dominic Cardy's NDP

CBC News · Posted: Feb 14, 2013 10:48 AM AST

"Lamrock briefly flirted with running for the Liberal leadership, but ended up endorsing Michael Murphy. Murphy lost to Brian Gallant last October.

He told reporters on Thursday that one of the reasons he left the Liberals is because his centre-left ideas were being rejected by Gallant.

"Certainly the new leader has a mandate. He's made it very clear that party is going to move to the right and those things that I talked about are not part of the plan," Lamrock said.

Gallant issued a statement on Thursday saying he looked forward on working with Lamrock in the future.

"Kelly Lamrock served the Liberal party well. We are happy to see his continued involvement in provincial politics, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours," Gallant said.

"We look forward to working with him and people of all political stripes for the betterment of our province."

Cardy said the conversations with Lamrock started around his party’s pair of anti-patronage bills.

"I invited Mr. Lamrock to work with me on the anti-patronage bills that yesterday were adopted by the government. Based on our conversations it became clear we had a lot in common and that we share concerns and hopes for the future of our province," Cardy said in a statement.

The Progressive Conservative government announced on Wednesday it would introduce Cardy’s bills." 

 
 
 
 
Bob Smith  
Lamrock was a better college paper editor than a politician or advocate.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Bob Smith 
Of that I have no doubt 
 
 
 
 
Inta I. Liepins 
I'm glad to learn that Mr. Lamrock has such a rewarding pastime. I'm sure it makes him better at his day job, too. If he were to spend every spare moment obsessing about his advocate work, he'd likely be no further ahead and might end up beating his head against the wall. 
 
 
David Amos
CONTENT DEACTIVATED
Reply to Inta I. Liepins
Methinks once he reads my comments he may consider doing just that N'esy Pas?  
 
 
 
 
Derek Grant 
Nice pastime, and a great read Saturday story! However, my gut feeling is that if Mr. Lamrock put 1/4 of the time he invests in theatre - into his obligatory senior's advocate position - then the incredibly dangerous times are elders are facing complete with sudden LTC closures, bed backlogs, staff shortages, and excessive virally transmissible deaths - may start to gain the much-needed inquisitory support and attention that they've longingly needed and deserve.  
 
 
David Amos
Reply to Derek Grant
Trust your gut  
 
 
Anna Barnes   
Reply to Derek Grant  
I agree with you about the problems that seniors (and others) face. The role of the senior's advocate, according to the NB gov website is to strive to ensure that the rights of seniors and adults under protection are understood, promoted and protected. Pretty broad and non-specific. I would think there is little he can really do (esp with Higgs in charge) except when someone makes a specific complaint to him - though he might do a lot behind the scenes that we don't necessarily know about such as sit on committees and make sure seniors' issues are not left out of discussions.  
 
 
Derek Grant 
Reply to Anna Barnes 
Well, then perhaps he can look into the two recent LTC closures where the Business Entrepreneur director of those shutdown special care homes was described by Higgs as "a model for New Brunswick economic development". I think what we really need are screenings of LTC directors who ensure Person-centered care is implemented in our LTCs and nothing less. Also, would be apt to have some full disclosure to the public on these poli/health matters. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-higgs-culture-shift-economy-growth-1.5597576?fbclid=IwAR2s_7f_65YoxivPA59-1qARAGUGSJp9eqUaEPnUy9PLHbSRAX5k0qgV7jQ 
 
 
Anna Barnes   
Reply to Derek Grant   
Sure. And it was good to see the opposition calling the government out on this - I'd also like to see PC MPs and many others speaking up as well. The culture of secrecy in NB allows Higgs and Co to get away with way too much. The thought that these highly vulnerable seniors' families now have to scramble to find them new places - far from home - is disgusting. I would prefer to see care homes run more like hospitals instead of being run by private companies. But I'm not holding my breath. 
 
 
Derek Grant 
Reply to Anna Barnes 
It's a legalese dilemma. Many of our seniors are medically discharged from hospitals to NHs only if/when they are "physically" healthy to do so. Being medically discharged to such facilities does not assess/consider their mental capacity in any way. Furthermore, the majority of our senior's residing in LTCs do not have family or friends to advocate for them. These situational facts make them extremely vulnerable to the (perceived) situation(s) that have recently unfolded in the North, and furthers the need for a full-time, at arm's length (from GNB) Senior/Legal Advocate in the most aged province in the nation.
 
 
Michael Cain  
Reply to Derek Grant  
Lamrock was appointed by Higgs; do you try to work with the King or buck the system and be sent packing?
 
 
Derek Grant 
Reply to Michael Cain
Under the dire state of affairs, and with the several serious incidents and pandemic repercussions that have happened and/ or that are playing themselves out under his (senior's) advocacy - some 'acting', or at the very least a full analysis report for our seniors would be timely and beneficial. They are all in attendance and awaiting his 'performance'. Contrary to the article headline, his obligation to the aging population of NB is not just as "youth advocate".  
 
 
Michael Cain   
Reply to Derek Grant  
Every one in Higgs' cabinet have a responsibility to look after New Brunswickers. Where are they?
 
 
David Amos
CONTENT DEACTIVATED
Reply to Michael Cain
Google Higgs Cardy butter tart

Then check note found in my blog. Do ya see the big "-K-" ???

 
 
 
 
Robert Losier 
Part of the problem with the youth concurrent addictions centre nightmare. Put in my party's riding, whoops new government in power now put it in that MLA's riding ... and so it went and so it still goes. More than twenty years of politicking and yet no beds for youth. 
 
 
David Amos
CONTENT DEACTIVATED
Reply to Robert Losier
Cry me a river 
 
 
 
 
Joe campbell 
I played poker with TJ Burke and he says Kelly has a photographic memory and could miss classes but still shine. I see him buying sports select tickets and am curious how well he does. 
 
 
Joe campbell 
Reply to Joe campbell    
If u have a big case this is the guy 
 
 
David Amos
CONTENT DEACTIVATED
Reply to Joe campbell    
Say Hoka Hey to TJ for me will ya?
 
 
 
 
 
Anna Barnes 
Nice to see a public figure with a humorous and creative side.
 
 
David Amos
CONTENT DEACTIVATED
Reply to Anna Barnes
True he is quite a clown 
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele
A story about nothing other than someone seeking endless attention .Must be a really slow news day if this is what passes for news .  
 
 
Donald LeBlanc 
Reply to Matt Steele
Maybe, but agree with the article that he has many sides and certainly can act. 


David Amos
Reply to Donald LeBlanc  
Surely you jest  
 
 
Jos Allaire 
CONTENT DEACTIVATED
Reply to ???
???


Michael Cain 
Reply to Jos Allaire  
Envious of successful people.  
 
 
David Amos
CONTENT DEACTIVATED
Reply to Michael Cain
Do you consider a political lawyer who goes from being a liberal Attorney General to being a big cheese in the NDP to a PC backroom dude who takes a a patronage appointment successful??  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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