Female MPPs seek apology

Group was denied time to speak about International Women’s Day

The women won.

Bowing to pressure, the Ford government granted Liberal, Green and Independent MPPs time to speak about International Women’s Day in the Ontario legislature after initially denying them the opportunity.

On Wednesday, government House Leader Paul Calandra said no to a motion that would have allowed the group of female MPPs five minutes — in total — to address the importance of the day. But after an outcry — which was backed by the Official Opposition NDP — and a news conference Thursday morning by seven MPPs to denounce the move, the Tories backed off. The group is now seeking an apology.

“This government thinks they can squash our spirits and silence us,” said Liberal MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon (Beaches—East York).

“And you know what? We’re not going to take it lying down. We’re going to stand up for ourselves. We’re going to stand up for young women and girls everywhere,” she said. “And we all know that famous quote, ‘Well-behaved women seldom make history.’ So look out.”

Independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady (Haldimand-Norfolk) said, “International Women’s Day is not a partisan celebration, and parliamentary privilege should afford us all equal opportunity if we choose to speak about the contributions women in our lives have made.”

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Calandra — who is also the minister of municipal affairs and housing — said he routinely says no to nongovernment unanimous consent motions and was not aware of the group’s request.

“It was not ever an intention not to allow them to speak,” he said, adding “it’s important that they have an opportunity to speak.”

The group, however, said there were communications a week ago, and produced an email sent to his office with the request.

McMahon also alleged that Calandra made light of the situation on Wednesday, making a crying gesture “and then he opened up his desk and handed a box of tissues … It was absolutely deplorable, demeaning and disgraceful.”

There is no video available of that alleged gesture.

Calandra told reporters that interaction “was on a separate issue” with Liberal House Leader John Fraser and “had nothing to do” with the women’s request.

Fraser, however, said he did not engage with Calandra other than to look at him when the request was denied.

Charmaine Williams, the associate minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, told the Star she was pleased to see “all members speaking for International Women’s Day.”

After the original decision, “there’s always time for sober second thoughts, and we had one, and we have an opportunity for everybody to share this International Women’s Day.”

The day is celebrated on Friday, but given the legislature is not sitting, the MPPs spoke Thursday afternoon in the house.

“I’m grateful for the chance to speak on International Women’s Day despite the government’s attempt to prevent the Independent members from speaking and representing their constituents,” said Liberal MPP Stephanie Bowman (Don Valley West) urging the government to apologize.

“They misuse their power to silence opposition, contradicting the democratic principles they were elected to uphold.”