Earlier, we reported Concerned Parents of British Columbia chairman Brian Roodnick would "likely" be running for the federal Conservative nomination in Richmond. As some of our astute readers may know, Mr. Roodnick helped setup the group after The Vancouver Sun's Janet Steffenhagen broke the news the provincial government signed a contract giving gay rights activists Peter and Murray Corren "an unprecented role in a review of the provincial curriculum to ensure respectful teachings about sexual orientation from kindergarten to Grade 12." In an interview with CBC Radio, Mr. Roodnick said "It seems strange to us that two individuals representing a special interest group would have that level of input where the parents of the children do not." He then added, "We want to see balance restored. And we think the best way to restore balance is to get the same level of access for parents to the curriculum in British Columbia" as the Correns.
In addition to representing the Concerned Parents of British Columbia, Mr. Roodnick, West Point Grey Academy's social studies department head, was previously the vice-principal at Richmond Christian School's secondary school campus. He has also served as the Society of Christian Schools in British Columbia's representative to the Federation of Independent School Associations.
Nice credentials....looks to be a capable candidate unlike what many have believed. I am sure it will be a good practice for Mr. Roodrick in the primary.
FHK, you're on the wrong side of the border, bud.
There are no "primaries" in the Canadian political system.
If one figures the Nomination Meetings being primaries, that's wrong. Since, in the US, it's
not mandatory to take out a membership in the Republicans or Democrats, jsut declare what you are on the ballot before voting for the candidate of choice.
This Roodrick guy sounds like The Crusades are on again for the Evangelical element, after being
held back since the last "Hundred Years War" with the Zalmoids.
Where has this guy been all these years during annual curriculm reviews that involved the public?
Hey Delta Dan,
Glad you asked...as head of Curriculum for some schools and Member of the Curriculum Comittee of the SCSBC, I have been very active in Curriculum review for the last 10 years. The issue here is that a level of unfairness has been introduced into what has, up to now, been a good process. Two private, un-elected, individuals have been given privileged access to the curriculum review process ahead of parents, school board trustees, teachers, principals and other stakeholders. This imbalance demands redress and a reaffrimation of the democratic ideal of 'equality under the law'. We would like to see the Charter Article 15 (1) respected:
“Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.” Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms 15 (1)
At the moment we have a situation where some of the groups protected under the Charter of Rights are being excluded...and thus discriminbated against.
Let me issue you this challenge: Do you agree that the Parents of the children of BC should have at least the same level of access to the Curriculum review process as the Corren's?
With reference to the Crusades and Evangelics...the Crusaders were Catholics, not Evangelical. You have no idea about whether or not I am Evangelical, but seem to want to use the word as a weapon. The Hundred Years war did not have anything to do with the Crusades, Evangelicals or Canadian elections.
Hello Brian. I hope you take me up on my coffee invite one day soon. Anyway, I'll go on record as opposing your group. Your campaign looks too much like a thin veneer over some rather dated socially conservative views. It would not surprise me if the bulk of your supporters were of the evangelical fundamentalist persuasion. I did go to one of your meetings a while back, not my cup of tea I'm afraid. I will accept input from the two gay individuals in question, as long as it makes some positive headway towards solving the current gay bashing issues that continue to plague our schools. I'm straight, by the way, married to a Catholic in a Catholic church and have a teenage child. But I am a secular Humanist.
The big question here is; are you in fact an evangelical of the fundamentalist persuasion? Given Mr. Reid’s problems on that issue, I think your potential voters will want to know. It is a fair question.
Dale
Dan: "Where has this guy been all these years during annual curriculm reviews that involved the public?"
Brain: "Glad you asked...as head of Curriculum for some schools and Member of the Curriculum Comittee of the SCSBC, I have been very active in Curriculum review for the last 10 years."
Dan, it's not funny. You will lost credibility in no time.
Do your homework or I'll take his word for yours.