Remembering Rick Wowchuk

 

Remember Rick Wowchuk?  Two years ago, the Conservative caucus of  Manitoba was trying to decide what to do with him.  He had these nasty sexual harassment allegation made against him.  It was reported that he had violated workplace policy on five occasions.  At the time, he was a rookie back bencher MLA.  

Remember him?  Remember what happened to him?  Well, you don't actually have to remember.  He hasn't gone anywhere.  The only change is that he now is a twice elected back bencher MLA.  

So, what happened to him?  Nothing.  The allegations had no affect on him.  One would assume that investigations have concluded but there is no information about this.  The conduct did not factor in to his re-election campaign as he actually increased his margin of victory over his nearest opponent.  

Since this matter just faded away, we don't know if he learned anything or faced any consequences.  If he didn't face any consequences, then, the odds are pretty high that he is still engaging in that behaviour.  Anyone who has the gull to sexually harass an employee, and then get away with it, well, it is still happening.  There is also no indication at all that there was any criminal investigation.  He just gets re-elected and remains a back bencher.  

A victory for white male privilege, I guess.  When a privileged white male does not have consequences for their behaviour, they are saved the burden of a conscience.  

Apparently, this is the type of man that Swan River residents want to represent them and it is their choice.  However, it does not save the leader of his party from addressing this publicly and providing some sort of consequence.  At the very least, he needs education and counselling.  

Actually, the only difference between now and two years ago for him is that now his leader, the Premier, is a woman.  

Maybe this matter needs to be revisited by the Premier.  Maybe we need to ask her again if it is still ok for him to sit in her caucus.  It would be interesting to see her leadership on this matter.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One of my saddest days in Winnipeg

Image
I felt compelled to attend an information meeting of the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.  Compelled because it will be, not in my neighbourhood, but in my City Ward.  Compelled after reading Bruce's story and his family's wish to make this recovery centre his legacy.  Compelled because of the opposition to this centre.  I wanted my voice to be a positive one. Since the land has already been rezoned, the BORC is going to happen and the meeting was to update the community on progress and get input on a few minor details.   I didn't realize that it would be one of the saddest days I have experienced in Winnipeg.   When I arrived, I experienced the "white people". They were people dressed in white who were there to oppose the Centre.  In order to get in to the community centre, I had to pass two "white people" who were at the door with placards in opposition.  It was intimidating.  They didn't deter anyone from entering but th...
Read more

There's Something from Jenny - Part 2

Image
I am trying to evolve as a blogger.  One of my friends told me that I needed to start adding my pictures to my blog so that people would know who they are communicating with.  So, good, bad, or ugly, I am adding my picture as much as I can.  It makes me feel vulnerable.  Not as vulnerable as I would feel if I was running for Mayor of a major Canadian city. I can't imagine how vulnerable I would feel, having every move and every word analyzed and taken out of context.  Perspective always defines your reality.  For example, I could tell you that I witnessed a murder by the Superstore last week.  That might bring up some powerful images in your mind.  Then, there would be those who know that a group of crows is called a murder.  That gives my previous statement have a whole different image in your mind.  So, when I spent an hour with Jenny Motkaluk that was my biggest impression.  She doesn't mind being vulnerable.  She just w...
Read more

Seriously? Opposition to BORC opening at old Vimy Arena Site

Image
I decided to go for a walk today.  It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  My quest was to understand the home owner's opposition to having the closed arena site being converted to a much needed addiction treatment facility.  I took some pictures on my phone and want to explain what I found out.  The first picture was taken while I was standing on the immense green space at the back of the old Vimy Arena.  You can see in the background what is the closest residential development.  It is a town house complex.  In order for someone who was participating in treatment at BORC to interact with someone living in the complex, they would have to walk and then cross a creek, and then get through the trees.  I would think the residents living in that complex would be more worried about the drainage pipe that leads on the creek.  I would be concerned about a wandering child being trapped in there.  The second pic...
Read more