Sexism is beyond male ignorance. It is a cultural problem that we all must confront every day, at work, at home and everywhere else. It is a problem with our perceptions and actions; which includes both men and women. As a lawyer and a Senator who is currently tabling a bill (Bill S-217) designed to increase gender equality in the private sector's leadership, I cannot stand by and be silent. This is my letter, but it was written and translated by my two male employees. As the boss in my office, the buck stops with me; meaning I am responsible and I embrace all the consequences because these are my words at the end of the day. I do not hide behind my staff regardless of their gender if my words get me into trouble.
I am a mother and a grandmother. My career has included positions in both the private and public sector. I learned to have a tough skin because I had to confront sexism in the work place head on since it was something that we had to "put up with" in those days. However, I and all the women of my generation did not think that was fair then, it is not fair now and it should not be tolerated any more. As such I have resolved to confront this issue in my current work on Parliament Hill.
The current government claims that it supports a more balanced gender representation in Canada. I find it extremely perplexing that the government's Minister of Justice believes that gender equality is not his concern. The problem is not the comments alone but the fact that they were the reasons given as to why the government's judicial appointments are dominated by men. In an effort to dodge the question, you (Mr. MacKay) revealed why gender balance for judicial appointments is lacking. The simple fact is that you do not believe that it is your responsibility to confront this issue.
Sexism is an injustice, and it is the duty of the Minister of Justice to confront this issue -- a duty that you have foregone. I am not a second class citizen for the sake of giving birth and providing childcare; I also do not believe that men are entitled to monopolize our country's leadership and judiciary. That is why I have put forward Bill S-217 where over time Corporate Boards will be required to have a minimum of 40 per cent of the their positions filled by both genders. Your government's line is that this is should not be the means used to improve gender balance on Corporate Boards, despite claiming they support gender equality.
The fact is that this government has no plan to improve gender balance in our society. To fail to plan is to plan to fail. What you have demonstrated, Mr. MacKay, is that you are not addressing this issue. The Mother's Day and Father's Day letters of your office also show that you are not even bothering to correct this injustice in your own office culture.
In a world with gender equality both women and men will care for children -- and both women and men will provide leadership and guidance -- Bill S-217's function is to help make gender equality a reality by mandating that leadership be equally provided by men and women. I am glad that you are a new father, but I hope one day that you will have a daughter or a granddaughter, maybe then you will finally understand that it is unacceptable for a Minister of Justice to be ignorant of the injustice of sexism.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Céline Hervieux-Payette, PC
Senator
ALSO ON HUFFPOST:
