Former Finance minister Cathy Bennett recently stepped down from the House of Assembly to return to private life.
Her announcement comes on the heels of a variety of harassment claims which led to the removal of both Dale Kirby and Eddie Joyce from caucus and cabinet. Both members are currently under investigation and on paid leave.
These incidents led to a discussion regarding bullying and harassment within the provincial government that included Bennett coming forward in a public interview to discuss her experience with bullying, not only on a public platform but also within the House chambers.
This complacency has fostered a toxic workplace that the average person would not accept in their own place of employment.
Bennett spoke about the inappropriate behaviour she experienced and witnessed by elected officials, including gaslighting and isolation. The former MHA didn’t pinpoint anyone, but stated it was a serious issue within her caucus.
Since announcing her retirement from politics, there has been some controversy around her actions, including a variety of statements about whether Bennett could handle the “blood bath” that is politics. However, shouldn’t the question really be why have we accepted politics to be such a hazardous and hostile environment? This complacency has fostered a toxic workplace that the average person would not accept in their own place of employment.
As the political environment was originally built on policies that reflected an all-male environment, there has been a shift in the discussions, calling for updated regulations to address the diversity displayed within the legislative house. This impending movement has to expand beyond the House to the public, who should demand a…
