Women of ABpoli: Hot Flashes - Issue #21
This Week in AB
We've got racism
In 2016, a doctor in Grande Prairie thought a noose taped to the door of an operating room "for a Black, Nigerian-born surgical assistant, Dr. Onwuanyi," was "a foolish joke" - and for four years, the hospital's administration, Alberta Health Services, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, apparently agreed; until the story showed up in the news in July 2020.
Dr. Wynand Wessels said that once the 'unacceptability' of his 'joke' was brought to his attention, he apologized to AHS and his colleagues, claiming he "did not appreciate the heinous symbolism" behind a noose he claimed was "for a Black, Nigerian-born surgical assistant".
Even if Wessels, who grew up in South Africa during Apartheid, was telling the truth about his lack of understanding how nooses are widely held (even in South Africa) to be symbols of oppression against Black people, I'm really trying to figure out how a noose is "funnier" than ramming a Chef's knife into the door and saying it's intended for one of your colleagues.
But maybe "jokes" about murder are "funnier" if people who look like you aren't historically and presently targeted by people who look like those who make them.
All we know for sure is that, in 2016, no one saw the need to make an example of the behaviour.
In 2021, however, an all-white tribunal of Wessler's peers thought a four month suspension ought to send a message. I think it did, but I'm not positive it's the one they were aiming for.
If the rules get in the way, make new rules
The Premier announced he would be spending Christmas with family from three different households, adding that Covid recommendations will probably be "loosened" before the holidays, which would better accommodate his plans.
Dr. Hinshaw, who is still the province's Chief Medical Officer of Health, says officials are still considering what, if any changes will be coming, but her authority was stripped back in 2020.
As Kenney always says, why have rules if people aren't going to follow them anyway? Golden segue...
It's good to be king
As Kenney and co passed Bill 81, making some questionable changes to the laws governing political parties, few missed its significance to Kenney's upcoming leadership review.
Arrogant? Definitely. Opportunistic? Absolutely. Self-defeating? Potentially.
The show... goes on.
The scams are mutating faster than coronaviruses
“🎶 It’s the most wonderful time of the year 🎶 https://t.co/UDdrTrZUHW”
From Alberta Health Services:
We are receiving reports of a scam in which texts, that appear to be from AHS, promise Albertans money for getting a COVID-19 vaccine & ask for credit card information. AHS will never text a request asking for credit card information. Please report this by calling the non-emergency line for local law enforcement.
Coming up on Women of ABpoli
Dr. Tehseen Ladha and Shawna Gawreluck will be joining us to talk about Covid, vaccinations, and kids - inside and out.
Aditi Loveridge and Danyelle Kaluski from PILSC, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Centre, will be joining us to talk about their work, Bill 220, and what is on the horizon.
Canada
Discriminatory law should have been "respected" before teacher who wears hijab was hired, says Quebec Premier
Once upon a time, I thought Quebec's Bill 21 wasn't discriminatory because it applied to all religious symbols. Then, I did my own research and discovered that legislation against religious symbols disproportionately affects Muslim girls who retreat from public spaces including the pursuit of education, work, and engaging outside of their own community after these types of laws are introduced.
I also invited two women, Ishat Reza and Humera Jabir, both lawyers, to share their thoughts (and legal opinions).
I hope teachers and Canadians stand with Fatemah Anvari, and all women who seek an opportunity to pursue careers in Canada, regardless of their religious affiliation.
What about an Indigenous Party of Canada?
I've thought of this before as well, albeit in a provincial context (and I'm not Indigenous at all - total immigrant). I honestly love the idea but I wonder: how do they manage to be inclusive enough to get the votes while remaining true to their principles? This is an all-party problem already, but is there an additional layer when the starting point is indigeneity? Does it matter? All questions that would have to wait until this moves from an idea to something more concrete, but I would really like to see this in action.
Bring on the trolls
“Canada's Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland makes Forbes' 100 Powerful Women list https://t.co/041ZDYdL6n”
I gave up looking for a positive comment after ten minutes - this headline triggered a lot of people who probably have a one page CV. I, for one, will congratulate a fellow Albertan for making (good) waves outside of our borders.
Final thought
cover photo credit: @abpressrelease