News Archives - Page 19 of 25 - Maureen F. Fitzgerald

Punishments do not stop bullying

Apparently there is a federal Senate Committee looking into cyber-bullying. Although many anti-bullying experts have told the committee that harsh punishments do little to stop online bulling (or any bullying for that matter) it took eight teens from Calgary Alberta via video conference to bring this very simple message home. May be I better send

We need a positive culture not just for schools but also for the teachers’ strike

BC Premier Christy Clark just announced a $2 million strategy and anti-bullying program to keep school kids safe. As she rightly points out, laws and punishments do not work and we need to “create a positive school culture.” She stated correctly that, “educators need tools to be able to deal with conflicts in an appropriate

Enbridge is all about fair process

Where is the process that ensures we make the right decision for us and for future generations? When will the advertising money be spent on consultation?

New book “Love has Wings” looks good

Isha Judd, author of “Love has Wings” says that once you find your core you need to work carefully to nurture it. As the Buddhists say, the journey is about becoming all that you are. No more. No less. I think I will read this book.

When four ex-ministers and scientists slam the goverment I listen

Four former federal fisheries ministers from BC as well as several scientists have asked our Canadian government to stop weakening the fisheries laws that protect fish and reduce pollution. Although I know very little about fish I do know that rarely do such highly respected experts join together in such a manner. Their voices are

Hungry families sell their girls for food

According to World Vision, parents in Niger are so hungry they are selling their daughters for food. Men will buy girls as wives for a few goats or livestock. Although the parents did not like to do it, they said they had no alternative. I wonder whether they considered selling the boys or fathers? I wonder how well the girls do.

Mark McEwan is a brave and brilliant judge

Justice Mark McEwan just did what governments are too afraid to do. He struck down the court hearing fees as being unconstitutional. He said, as all of us lawyers know, if people can not access justice (because they have no money or ability) then justice in denied. Obviously. So for now the government can no longer charge $500

Must listen to Delusions of Gender podcast

You must listen to this great mini-doc on CBC. http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/episodes/2012/06/05/delusions-of-gender/ Cordelia Fine is the author of the book Delusions of Gender. I will have to go buy it now.

Women show up every day and are more loyal

According to the Census, woemn between the ages of 20 and 34 are taking on trade jobs like never before. Although the news suggests they are shattering stereotypes, the truth is that skilled labour is currently in such short supply that the male-based trades are forced to hire women. Curiously the employers are pleasantly surprised

SAP wins award for creating workplaces that support women

Each May the YWCA honours women (Women of Distinction) but did you know they also have an award for the most Innovative Workplace? This award is given to an organisation that helps their employees manage work-life balance, offers affordable child care and provides flexible work hours. These are the very things that women need to be be able to both work