In a Facebook post on Thursday night, former premier Christy Clark thanked women who have come forward to report sexual misconduct. File photo.
With allegations of sexual misconduct coming to light in Canadian politics, the longest-serving female premier in Canadian history addressed the treatment of women in government.
In a Facebook post Thursday night, former B.C. premier Christy Clark thanked the women who have come forward to report sexual assault, saying “l was involved in politics for 25 years and saw plenty of frat boy behaviour.”
This week, federal Sport and Disabilities Minister Kent Hehr, Ontario Conservative leader Patrick Brown and Nova Scotia Conservative leader Jaime Baillie all resigned after allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.
Clark is calling on voters and political parties to make women more prominent in Canada’s political landscape, telling first ministers to give more women senior roles in Cabinet.
“Yes, I get it, most of you are men, but culture change starts at the top and if your “real” Cabinet is mostly male, you won’t change a thing despite the window dressing,” Clark said in her post.
Clark says the sexist behaviour is difficult to ignore when there is a woman in the room.
“Yes, make sure they’re qualified – not every woman is better just because she’s female – but if she’s smart and capable, give her the chance.”
Andy Neal
