A Mother's Day Message to Parliament
from
Canadian Women Doing Politics Differently
Open Letter
to
The Honourable Tony Valeri, Leader of the Government in the House of
Commons, and
The Honourable Mauril Belanger, Deputy Leader & Minister Responsible
for Democratic Reform
May 7, 2005
To:
The Honourable Tony Valeri, Leader
of the Government in the House of Commons
The Honourable Mauril Belanger,
Deputy Leader and Minister Responsible for Democratic Reform
A Mother's Day Message To Parliament
(Members
and Allies are encouraged to use this letter
as a template to send a Mother's Day Message to Parliament)
As women of Canada, grandmothers, mothers, daughters and sisters, many of us have remained silent far too long. It is time to speak. Mother's Day, May 8, 2005 seems a most appropriate day to start.
We are calling attention to the appalling behaviour that dominates the Parliamentary Sessions, especially Question Period. Mr. Valeri, Honourable Leader of the House, and Mr. Belanger, Minister Responsible for Democratic Reform, and all Party leaders, we find the conduct in the house is acrimonious, disrespectful and ultimately counterproductive. The House is dysfunctional and is not an effective forum for expressing Canadian interests. The lack of respect for diversity within The House makes many wonder how members regard the concerns of their diverse constituents.
The model of debate is damaging to the psyche and to the soul of Canadians and especially harmful to our youth.
Bullying is a national problem of epidemic proportions. School Boards nationwide are spending thousands of dollars developing programmes to teach children the importance of respecting differences, discussing conflicts and finding peaceful ways to settle disputes. Our elected representatives should be setting an example.
How can educators win the battle in the schoolyards when every day beamed into our living rooms are images of the PM, other party leaders and MPs displaying the worst bullying tactics - shouting, putting down, and attempting to humiliate? As elected leaders, it is your primary responsibility to ensure respectful communication among Party Members.
We suggest that you review and outline with all the Honorable Members of Parliament, the basic playground rules of respect, listening, goal setting and conflict resolution. In honour of Mother's Day and preferably sooner than later, we request one day in which all Members of the House be required to behave in a civil manner toward one another. Try it! Bring dignity into our political process.
Sincerely,
INSERT YOUR NAME AND LOCATION
Barbara Anello
North Bay, Ontario
Canadian
Women Doing Politics Differently
Canadian Women Doing Politics Differently was initiated by 4 women from Duncan BC - Carrie Whitney-Brown, Clare Peterson, and Pam Alcorn.
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