The Union of BC Indian Chiefs is demanding that Conservative MP Bob Zimmer withdraw his bid for re-election for suggesting that joblessness is largely the cause of Canada’s missing and murdered indigenous women.
The incumbent MP for the Northern B.C. Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies riding made the comments at an all-candidates meeting in Fort St. John earlier this week.
“One of the major drivers of missing and murdered aboriginal women is the lack of economic activity, or simply put, the lack of a job. … Ultimately, when people have a job, they’re not in despair. They can stay on reserve, and that’s where we want them to be,” Zimmer said at the time.
On Friday, UBCIC called Zimmer’s comments sexist and racist.
Conservative MP made comments at an all-candidates’ meeting in Fort St. John that drew strong reaction. (bobzimmer.conservative.ca)
“Aboriginal women and communities were shocked, outraged and deeply offended by Mr. Zimmer’s derogatory remarks towards women,” stated Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the UBCIC, in a statement.
“Astonishingly, Mr. Zimmer’s simplistic solution to one of Canada’s most disgraceful and profound abuse of human rights issues, concerning missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls, is that aboriginal women should stay home, stay on the rez, and get a job.”
CBC News contacted Zimmer and his campaign office on Friday for his comment.
On Thursday, he told CBC his comments were taken out of context. He clarified that a lack of jobs is “by far not the only factor” contributing to missing and murdered indigenous women, and said he wants women to not have to endanger themselves by hitchhiking.
#bobblockedme
Zimmer is also facing criticism on social media for allegedly blocking some followers on Twitter, which prompted some to use the hashtag #bobblockedme.
I didn’t criticize him, I ran for the @bcndp once in his riding and boom! #BobBlockedMe #Conblocked #overit pic.twitter.com/JCURoTMEKV
— @judyfoxmcguire
Have you been blocked your federal representative, Bob Zimmer? join this group and tell us why #BobBlockedMe https://t.co/SWFuTUQ6O3
— @MeganMishMash
So I understand @bobzimmermp part of @pmharper open & transparent team is blocking critiques? Sounds very democratic. #BobBlockedMe #elxn42
— @jeffreydc
Source:: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bob-zimmer-conservative-mp-ubcic-1.3265736?cmp=rss
