QUEBEC CITY – When Quebec’s Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Lise Thériault, made the remark she was more “egalitarian” than “feminist,” she didn’t anticipate the kind of public attention it would generate.
She defended her comments and tried to clarify them several times, but instead it seems there’s still a lot of confusion over the definition of the word “feminist.”
The minister now insists she’s “a feminist in her own way.”
When asked to explain what that meant, she said she doesn’t agree with tactics of certain groups, like Femen, where women activists protest topless.
She said many people agreed with her choice of vocabulary: “What is a label? I’m a liberal. I’m a woman. I’m an Acadian woman. I’m a proud Canadian woman.”
READ MORE: Quebec’s Minister for Status of Women clarifies feminist comment
“I guess she has her own opinions, but we’re certainly not sharing,” said Parti Québécois leader, Pierre Karl Péladeau.
When asked if it was necessary that the Minister for the Status of Women call herself feminist, Parti Québécois critic Carole Poirier had one word: “Yes.”
Péladeau said he’s a feminist, and insisted any Quebec premier should be as well.
“I think all Quebecers, today particularly, should be united about the fact that yes, we’ve achieved significant success compared to other societies in pursuit of equality among men and women, but more needs to be done,” said Premier Philippe Couillard.
“So, we agree. If this is the definition of feminism, I’m happy to be one.”
However, it seems unlikely the premier will have the last word on this issue.
One silver lining though?
As Thériault herself pointed out, the province has never talked so much about feminism.
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