Everyone loves a celebration. However, the Provincial Action Network of the Status of Women (PANSOW) must question the timing of the recent celebration of MHA Eddie Joyce’s 25 years of public service in politics. Mr. Joyce is currently under investigation by the Commissioner for Legislative Standards amid allegations of harassment and bullying. Mr. Joyce, while still the MHA for Humber-Bay of Islands, has been placed on an indefinite leave of absence from the House of Assembly as the investigation continues.
We are concerned for the message that this sends to the public, especially considering the anti-harassment training all MHAs recently completed. Harassment is a form of violence which violates respectful workplace policies. It is imperative that leaders recognize the damaging effects that workplace violence can have on their employees. This celebration and the attendance by four Liberal MHAs sends the message to the women who came forward that they do not matter. It does not present an image of respect for the process currently taking place within the House regarding this issue.
We call on the MHAs, Gerry Byrne, John Finn, Scott Reid, and Jerry Dean to acknowledge this and to undertake further training to better understand the impacts of violence in the workplace.
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Media Contacts
Janice Kennedy
Executive Director
Bay St. George Status of Women Council
PANSOW, Co-Chair
Tel: 709.643.4444
executivedirector.bsgswc@gmail.com
Jenny Wright
Executive Director
St. John’s Status of Women Council
PANSOW, Co-Chair
Tel: 709.753.0220
jenny@sjwomenscentre.ca
About PANSOW
The Provincial Action Network on the Status of Women (PANSOW) is a grassroots, feminist, and non-partisan network which gives a provincial voice on the issues facing the Status of Women in Newfoundland and Labrador. PANSOW consists of all eight Status of Women Councils in Newfoundland and Labrador.