Language is important and few know that better than politicians. They play with it, stretch it and use it as a sledgehammer to make a point.
Sometimes, though, when dealing with sensitive issues, it’s better to use a fine-edged scalpel instead of a cudgel to make an argument.
The implement employed by BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson when he referred to victims of violence as “people who are in a tough marriage” was of the blunt object variety, a misjudgement that surprised and angered many, and landed him in immediate hot water last week.
Among those who criticized Wilkinson was Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson, also B.C.’s housing minister, who said on Facebook she was “gobsmacked” by his choice of words.
Others made direct pleas to the BC Liberal leader, including the Ending Violence Association of BC, which said in a tweet: “We beg you to get informed as domestic and sexual violence occurs upwards of 60,000 times a year in B.C. alone and deeply affects whole families.”
This was the wrong choice of words and I got it wrong. Victims of domestic violence need their voices heard and our unwavering support, and I want everyone to know they have that with me. #bcpoli https://t.co/gp7qDTFrVs
— Andrew Wilkinson (@Wilkinson4BC) February 12, 2020
Indeed, domestic violence is a problem that needs addressing with all seriousness and appropriate prevention and intervention.
Wilkinson surely knows that and tweeted out his regret for his “wrong choice of words” not long after making his earlier comment in an interview on Red FM radio.
A little bit of context here:
Wilkinson was commenting in a radio interview on the NDP government’s throne speech, which he was arguing contained little new in the way of future initiatives. When mentioning the government’s pledge to provide five days of paid leave for people leaving domestic or sexual violence, he used the term “people in a tough marriage,” which of course is a ridiculous characterization.
Still, in his zeal to downplay the throne speech, which many other commentators have also said was uninspiring, the former doctor and lawyer proved right the detractors who describe him as out of touch.
Surely, Wilkinson didn’t mean what he said? Now he has the opportunity to make up for his misstep by getting on board with the idea of paid leave for people escaping domestic violence, who are often in fear as they make the transition and whose jobs may be in jeopardy if they miss work.
Word choice aside, it’s sensible to support a policy that ensures that victims of domestic violence, predominately women, can make a move to find safety for themselves and their children while still being able to put food on the table.
