Mr. Speaker, on January 30 the Native Women's Association office in the Northwest Territories received an email showing disturbing photos of three nude non-native women and a partially nude aboriginal woman with the subject line “Pictures--can you spot Miss NWT?” The source was Michael Hurst, director of the Yellowknife district office of Industry Canada. He sent this message out to at least 30 other recipients as a joke.
NWAC and the Status of Women Council declare these photos hurtful, disrespectful, sexist, racist and a disgrace to all women regardless of culture or race.
NWAC immediately wrote to the Minister of Industry outlining this flagrant abuse of power and calling for the immediate dismissal of the employee.
To date, the minister has ignored these concerns and let the issue be shoved under the carpet. Michael Hurst continues to work as a director with his only punishment being some community service.
NWAC, the Native Women's Association of NWT, and the Status of Women Council of the NWT continue to push for a response from the minister. They ask:
In light of all of the circumstances highlighted, why has this senior civil servant not been permanently removed from his job as Director of the Yellowknife District Office, Industry Canada--”