Candidate accused of sexist remark

Details

Published on Thursday, October 15, 2015

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

An off the cuff comment allegedly made after a federal election candidates debate in Rivers has brought forward an accusation of sexism. A Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa riding forum was held on Thursday, Oct. 8 and featured all the candidates, making their final pitches to the public to represent them in Ottawa.

Kelly Saunders, an associate professor of political science at Brandon University, was one of three people asking questions of the candidates, along with a representative from the Brandon Sun and 880 CKLQ. The initial questions were pre-determined, but followup questions in the moment were also permitted.  

During the debate, Saunders pressed Conservative candidate Robert Sopuck for clarification on the Harper government’s stance on the banning the niqab, women’s rights and scientists criticizing the government for allegedly muzzling them. After the debate had concluded, Saunders said she was approached by Sopuck, who then allegedly said to her “You’re quite a nasty girl, aren’t you?”  Saunders said she was surprised and taken aback by the comment.

“It was a very objectionable comment. There’s no doubt in my mind that it was meant to be insulting. I presume he didn’t like some of the followup questions I was asking him in the context of the debate,” said Saunders. “I’ve known Bob for 20 plus years and have been on very good terms. I’ve had him speak to my class on the political process before. So this was very surprising to me. Never in all my years, had anyone made a blatantly sexist comment like this to me.”

Saunders noted that since this alleged comment was made public, she has been approached by many people, including some unnamed Conservative supporters, who expressed disappointment with the incident. Saunders added that she didn’t think this would turn into what it has turned into and hopes that as the election draws to a close, the candidates would focus on the issues of importance. The Neepawa Banner requested a comment from Robert Sopuck’s office on the alleged incident and did not receive a response before the publication deadline.