Premier Rankin must investigate

The allegations are troubling, their implications profound. A new appointee to Premier Iain Rankin's office is said to have a history of misogynistic behaviour.

The allegations have been levelled by a two-term MLA and former Liberal cabinet minister.

What is more, Margaret Miller feels strongly enough about the appointment of Stephen Tobin as strategic initiatives director in the premier's office that the Hants East MLA, who was not planning reoffer in the next election, will resign her seat, effective June 1.

That decision has political consequences, because her resignation will reduce the Liberal party to minority government status in the provincial legislature.

But Miller's allegations that Tobin, who worked in the Liberal caucus office during the tenure of former premier Stephen McNeil, was guilty of “atrocious behaviour” to many of the women in the Grit caucus, would be disturbing whoever made them, and whatever the political upshot.

Miller has said that she will reveal more about her claims against Tobin in the fullness of time. For now, that leaves the details murky.

‘ZERO TOLERANCE’

Tobin, in his single comment to the press, has called the charges “absurd.”

Rankin, his new boss, said that he has “zero tolerance for people that don't respect one another” and that, since ascending to the premier's office, no issues have been brought to him regarding Tobin's behaviour at caucus meetings.

The premier needs to do more. Besides Miller, there are just seven female MLAs in the 25-person Liberal caucus. So, a few conversations should provide the necessary insight into Tobin's behaviour towards members of the legislature and female staffers, to gauge whether Miller's allegations are true.

This must happen sooner rather than later.

Contempt for women is ugly and unforgivable, no matter where it occurs. But seldom is that truer than in the office of the premier, which must set an example for the rest of us.

These are serious charges, and a thorough examination of these allegations — in which both sides have their say — will be a clear test of Rankin's zero-tolerance policy.

WALK THE WALK

It is not enough to just talk the talk. The premier must also walk the walk.

We don't know whether these allegations have merit. We do know they must be thoroughly investigated.

If the allegations hold water, there must be repercussions. That would be the only way to send a clear message that, in the highest office in this province, there is no place for anyone who thinks women take a backseat to men.

If the charges are true, an unambiguous statement would be a comfort for any woman considering a run in the upcoming provincial and federal elections, where more gender parity is sorely needed.

And a reminder for everyone that this is 2021, not 1921, when an old boy's network ruled the political landscape of this province.