NDP Leader John Horgan says the way in which a female Liberal candidate described an NDP female candidate in a recent online roast is an example of “blatant sexism” and “systemic sexism” that everyone should learn from.
“This video, this blatant sexism that was allowed to pass, is a teachable moment for all of us, not just those who are involved in public life but those that are just getting by every day,” said Horgan, in Vancouver on Monday morning after pledging a continued rent freeze until the end of 2021 and a $400 renter’s rebate for those earning $80,000 and less annually.
A video of a $100-a-ticket online roast for retiring Liberal MLA Ralph Sultan held Sept. 17 over Zoom was posted on Twitter on Saturday by Mo Amir, who hosts a B.C. political and pop culture podcast. The online roast was attended by Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson and several caucus members.
During the roast, Liberal candidate and MLA Jane Thornthwaite attempted to barb Sultan about his inability to take NDP North Vancouver-Lonsdale candidate and MLA Bowinn Ma to task on political issues because of his “soft spot” for his fellow UBC engineering graduate. Wilkinson and others chuckle.
“Bowinn is, you know, a very pretty lady and she knows that she’s got it and she knows how to get Ralph going,” said Thornthwaite. “Bowinn would be right up, right up next to him, cuddling, cuddling, cuddling, a little bit of cleavage there. And Ralph would be enthralled with her.”
Ma, 35, sidled up to Sultan, 87, on a large couch when the two attended a Capilano University student union luncheon, said Thornthwaite, 61. They talked the entire event, said Thornthwaite.
“This is what systemic sexism looks like,” said Horgan, suggesting people often scratch their heads to understand what that phrase means. “It’s systemic when you can say what Ms. Thornthwaite said, and nobody bats an eyelid — that’s wrong,” said Horgan. “And now we’re seeing the repercussions of that.”
On Monday, Ma called on Wilkinson to explain to British Columbians why he sat back during the online roast while Thornthwaite sexualized her interactions and her “efforts to extend kindness across partisan lines.”
Everyone makes mistakes, said Ma, but not everyone is running to lead a province.
“I think Andrew Wilkinson has a lot to answer for in terms of what he feels is acceptable within his office and I question whether a man who is unable to set the tone of his political party, in terms of respectful women, is able to set a tone for British Columbia,” said Ma.
Thornthwaite and Wilkinson have apologized. Both called the remarks, upon reflection, “inappropriate.”
Thornthwaite said on Sunday her comments “fell flat” and apologized “unreservedly.”
Wilkinson said: “I understand why many people are upset, and I continue to be committed to doing everything I can to make sure women are welcomed, encouraged, and treated with respect in politics and public life,” he said on Twitter.
Ma explained that as a woman who has worked in male-dominated industries she is no stranger to “casual sexism.”
Ma said she has found herself through the years making choices about the way she acts, dresses, and carries herself to avoid having sexist interpretations — for instance, “deliberately speaking closely with an elder who is very hard of hearing.”
Young women deserve a province that encourages them to take on leadership roles without fear of sexism, said Ma. “The comments and reactions in that video do the exact opposite.”
Ma said she’s not ready yet to listen to a phone message left by Thornthwaite.
“I have huge respect for all women who push through glass ceilings. I’m one of them. So is Bowinn Ma,” Thornthwaite said on Sunday. “I commit to doing better moving forward.”
Thornthwaite was first elected in 2009 and represented North Vancouver-Seymour. Ma was elected in 2017 in the riding of North Vancouver-Lonsdale.
Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau has called the Liberal candidate’s comments “appalling.”
“If women are not warm in the workplace, we are castigated as rude,” said Furstenau. “If we are friendly, we get this.”
UVic political scientist Kim Speers said we are now more than halfway into the election campaign and parties are in damage and reputation management and control mode. Advance polls open this week and people will increasingly be mailing in their ballots.
“This incident has the potential to change votes,” said Speers. “Policy platforms are important in an election but so are the behaviour of its representatives and members and when a call such as this becomes public, it can leave a sour memory in people’s voting intentions.”
Strategically, Thornthwaite should have known her recorded comments would be seen as highly inappropriate and sexist, said Speers, adding the old boys’ club of politics needs to be dismantled in each of the parties.
The incident demonstrates that women hold internalized sexist views toward other women, said Speers. “The comments made by Thornwaite were an attempt to diminish Ma’s reputation and authority on so many levels,” she said. “Also, those on the call could have called Thornthwaite out on her comments but instead some smiles and chuckles took place — and this is what many women and other groups who experience discrimination face in the workplace every day.”
Vancouver North-Seymour has been a Liberal riding since 1991, so but Thornthwaite’s recent actions may result in a dip in support for Thornthwaite, said Speers. She still has a good chance of winning — “unless the voters have this as ‘top of mind’ and a ‘deal breaker’ when they vote.”
