Governor General Mary Simon’s office posted a video on Instagram highlighting racist, sexist, and abusive comments directed towards her Indigenous heritage and addressed these comments through a statement released on International Women’s Day.
Credit: Rideau Hall
The statement addressed comments by detractors who say that women should “learn to have a thicker skin” and take a joke or that online abuse is part of the role of a public figure. Simon disagreed, stating that she cannot and will not brush off or ignore comments that spread stereotypes and tropes she has spent a lifetime opposing.
She says these hurtful words damage the progress made towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and harm all women and girls in Canada, especially those who reflect the diversity of the country and engage in public life but suffer as a result.
The statement reads, “I am speaking about this for others who cannot, for fear of reprisal or retribution. But my hope is that others will join me. We must continue to speak about the repercussions of harmful discourse and to push back against those who would denigrate women for their contributions. And we must promote respectful discourse because engaging with each other is critical to creating a better world and addressing our planet’s most pressing issues.”
“I take my inspiration from women everywhere, particularly those young people who refuse to withdraw or self‑censure. I want to stand beside the younger generation and others who will no longer accept online abuse as routine or as an obstacle to leadership. And who are actively working to ensure our conversations reflect the diversity of Canada.”
Governor General’s office turned off social media comments last month to ensure that all social media followers “can do so in an environment that is respectful to all.”