A 2020 Facebook post by a Vancouver Island councillor containing a sexist meme is being reviewed by his municipality.

The meme is of an old man holding a cigarette and can of beer saying sa国际传媒淲hen your woman is acting up, just tell her sa国际传媒榣ess bitchensa国际传媒� more kitchen. Women love it when you rhyme.sa国际传媒�

Ted Swabey, North Cowichansa国际传媒檚 CAO, said the municipality is reviewing the post against any applicable [municipal] policies and will take the appropriate action based on the review.

sa国际传媒淲e are taking this issue very seriously and the matter is under review for council, including seeking legal advice on actions available to the municipality, and therefore, no further comments can be made at this time,sa国际传媒� Swabey said.

Mayor Al Siebring added the post is being reviewed under the lens of North Cowichansa国际传媒檚 code of conduct policy.

sa国际传媒淲esa国际传媒檒l wait for the review to be concluded, and then wesa国际传媒檒l determine what happens next,sa国际传媒� he said.

Manhas said he wonsa国际传媒檛 comment on the issue until council has discussed it, which is expected at its next meeting scheduled for April 7.

In a post on his Facebook page, Manhas said, sa国际传媒淟ast June I shared a post from somebody that at the time I thought was funny. However upon further self reflection and comments from the public I have taken down the post. I sincerely apologize for any negative effects or harm this may have caused to many people.sa国际传媒�

In 2018, the municipality adopted its new code of conduct policy which set out the expectation for council members to adhere to when carrying out their duties and functions on behalf of North Cowichan.

The code of conduct is intended to set behavioural expectations for council members that will instill public trust and confidence, contribute to a respectful workplace and not bring the municipality into disrepute.

robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
Like us on and follow us on