by Jenny Humphrey
I was fortunate last
week to attend Mt Baker High School with Norma Blissett, NDP candidate for
Kootenay East. I went as an observer.
The School’s Student Rotary Interact Club had requested a forum with candidates
for this riding to attend. It is my
understanding that both candidates were invited.
Part of the Grade 11 curriculum states that
students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the political spectrum
and explain how Canadians can effect change at the federal and provincial
level.
It is common knowledge
that voter turnout is very low. We are
all responsible for electing government and to engage young enquiring minds
must be priority for us all if we are to have responsible government. It was a joy to watch these students asking
relevant questions about process and talking about matters, which were of importance
to them. These bright minds were very
capable of deciding how they felt about different issues and it was clearly
important for them to understand different viewpoints. By openly talking about relevant matters for
today’s society and how the political process plays a part, these students have
been given an important opportunity to form their own ideas and opinions.
Having the chance to actually speak to a candidate about the political process
gave these students an invaluable basis and insight on which to build their understanding,
opinion and involvement.
I was shocked
therefore to see Mr Bennett’s letter in the Townsman on Friday May 10th. For a lawyer and member of parliament to
degrade a teacher and a school for doing its job and to assume hearsay is truth
and further to accuse teachers of using students as pawns based on unproven
comments is shabby treatment of dedicated teachers and these able students who
are learning to think critically for themselves by being involved and asking
questions.
If Mr Bennett truly thought
these students were important enough maybe he could have phoned to see if he
missed phone calls made to his office confirming his presence was requested on
that date.
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| Norma Blissett talks about political process and answers student questions. |
If your account is accurate, it certainly brings into question the integrity of our present MLA, and his motive in submitting the letter to the local paper for publication on the last day permitted prior to the election.
ReplyDeleteGiven the circumstances as presented, I find his use of the term "Indoctrination" against a teacher offensive, unjustified, sensational and extremely hurtful to the teacher and the teaching profession in general.
Maybe Lady Fate will have the last laugh on Tuesday, Mr. Bennett?
This is why I am no longer a Liberal. Mr. Bennett's continual offensive and very questionable remarks. Having heard directly from the organizers of the High School event, there were several phone calls made to his office. The students asked for this as part of their curriculum. If Bill knew there were dates set, as his letter points out, and if the message wasn't getting to him from his campaign staff, why didn't he take the initiative to make a phone call and enquire about the dates? There's an old children's saying about people like this "______, ______, pants on fire."
ReplyDeleteTime for a change.