Checking-In on race identity, senate reform, sexism in the kitchen & more
As always Thursday we dedicate a segment of The Current to you, our listeners. We value what you have to say.
Our Friday host Piya Chattopadhay joined Anna Maria in studio to share your thoughts on stories of the week.
Today's segment includes:
Rachel Dolezal: It appears Rachel Dolezal spent years posing as a black woman. She was deeply involved in the African-American community, as an academic and civil rights activist. Her case prompted conversations about what really constitutes race.
Sexism in Professional Kitchens: We have an update to yesterday's story involving Toronto cook Kate Burnham's application to Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal, alleging she was routinely harassed by colleagues at the Toronto restaurant, Weslodge. Those allegations have not been proven at the tribunal, and the men named in the case are denying them.
After that story aired, we heard from the co-owners of Weslodge restaurant -- Charles Khabouth, CEO of INK Entertainment and Hanif Harji, CEO of Icon Legacy Hospitality. They said they were troubled by the allegations which they call "disturbing and unacceptable". They have undertaken a review of the restaurant's HR procedures, and say an investigation into the allegations has "revealed that there may have been lack of communication and reporting of the alleged incidents at Weslodge in 2012. This circumstance impeded our ability to affect appropriate remedies, and we regret this." The statement goes on to read, "We have parted ways with all the individuals involved in the allegations throughout various times in 2014 and remain hopeful that this matter can be resolved through mediation with Ms. Burnham."
Lifeline Syria & Refugees: With over 50 million refugees worldwide, Amnesty International says current global efforts are simply not enough. Lifeline Syria, an initiative launched yesterday is doing its part in addressing the refugee crisis. They have set up a goal to bring 1,000 Syrian refugees to the Greater Toronto Area.
Senate Referendum: Getting rid of the Senate is not a new idea. But as the expense scandal deepens and a federal election looms, the conversation has taken on a new urgency. Our listeners added their voice to our discussion on putting the senate's future to a referendum and potentially abolishing it.
Teaching Residential School History: The TRC summary report confirms just how formative the residential school era was in shaping Canada today. And yet, it's a chapter that's largely absent from the text books and curricula used to teach history in our schools.
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This segment was produced by The Current's Pacinthe Mattar, Sarah Grant and Carole Ito.