Hello Chestermere! Well it has been quite a week. As you know we have been following the curriculum rewrite very closely and continue to be frustrated by the lack of transparency of this Government.
The most disappointing part for me has been hearing the ridiculous statement that somehow the Opposition and indeed all Albertans want to know the names of the participants in the curriculum rewrite so we can “bully” them.
Yes, you read that right. The Government believes that this is the reasoning behind the calls for transparency. We completely trust that the school authorities asked a wide cross-section of teachers who have expertise and a solid knowledge of the curricula and student learning to participate.
We have asked the Government to release the names of the associations and other “experts” involved who are influencing the ideology of the curriculum rewrite. We are not on a witch hunt as the Government claims, but are very concerned that this 7% of participants will unduly and inappropriately influence the student learning outcomes across the subjects and grades. These anonymous “experts” are a concern for everyone in this province as we have a Government that refuses time after time to consult, regularly spends your hard-earned dollars to advertise their agenda, and wants to change the very essence of our wonderful province. Albertans do not trust this Government.
Across the board, this Government uses divisive policies that undermine community, the relationships that we have built in these communities, and they sit and watch, wanting us to unravel. They cast aspersions on the very people who they work for …you…and blame the opposition parties when we try to hold them to account. Albertans are entitled to a voice in this process. Let me know your concerns so I can bring them forward and also write the Government and be very clear that you expect them to listen.
I also wanted to comment on the ATA ruling with respect to Gerald Ernest Doak and his inappropriate conduct toward a grade 12 female student. This is a travesty for the young girl who has been at the centre of this situation. Evidently he was giving her money by hiring her to work for him during the summer. The way this was done was unprofessional and there was more inappropriate conduct on his part toward this student. The ATA levied a fine of $1000 and issued a severe reprimand. He since has resigned and will have a very difficult time ever working as a teacher again. His teaching certificate will be flagged and that information provided to anyone to whom he might apply. We must ask: Is this truly a deterrent for other offenders? Next to parents, our teachers are the most influential people in our children’s lives, and the circle of trust is precious and should be protected and honoured. His case will go to the ATA Executive Council for review and a final ruling and we will be watching closely.
I want thank my amazing staff and MLA Mark Smith for introducing me to many of the school authorities throughout Chestermere and area this week. We met with Rocky View Schools in Airdrie, Golden Hills in Strathmore, and representatives of independent schools that offer everything from Montessori to home based schooling. I also met with the Calgary Board Of Education and Parents for Choice in Education. I have to say that all of them inspire me with their passion for teaching and the love and effort that goes into supporting our children. Alberta’s range of choice in education is one of our greatest strengths and one I will fight to preserve. Choice fosters excellence and benefits us all.
It seems that certain individuals and groups in the Maritimes are objecting to a planned speech by Marie Henein, who defended Jian Ghomeshi and won his acquittal. As quoted in the National Post, Gail Cohen, then editor of Canadian Lawyer magazine, said: “The outrage, the mudslinging, the name calling, and the general focus on Henein is a sign of the times, and not a good sign, in my humble opinion. Almost all of it shows an incredible lack of understanding by the public of the justice system, what a defence counsel’s role is in the system, and what the rights of the accused are.” I understand that people may feel unhappy with the ruling. What I don’t understand is how people feel Marie Henein is somehow not worthy of these appearances at these schools even though she is a top notch defence lawyer and a brilliant woman. Is she a “traitor to her sex”, and creating a “rape culture”? Do we only listen to people we agree with? What happened to debate and discussion? We should not stop people from having different points of view, in fact the whole point of having a democracy is to have those conversations and bring different perspectives to the table. There is nothing wrong with being angry. I get that. That is a natural response if you feel that the verdict did not reflect the alleged crime, but why are we condemning Ms. Henein? She is a strong and intelligent woman who should be honoured for her competency, her talent and her professional responsibility.
