Background: Pat Morton, wife of Ron Paull (the Mayor of Quesnel), has been circulating harmful media aimed at spreading misinformation about the experience of Indigenous children in Residential Schools. 

While the city council has denounced the book she's been distributing and has reaffirmed their commitment to working with Lhtako Dene First Nation, this isn't enough. I won't be naming the book as to avoid promoting it, but this article by the CBC mentions it by name and helps provide more context on the events that have led to this call for action.

Paull has stated that he doesn't always agree with what his wife does. As much as I applaud his devotion to his wife, I find myself doubting whether he can truly be impartial and fair when it comes to addressing such sensitive topics. 

Fostering a healthy environment to discuss such systemic issues requires trust from all parties involved. Even if he doesn't agree with the rhetoric his wife has been promoting, its proximity to him creates too much doubt, and it is unreasonable to ask Lhtako Dene First Nation, or any person, to trust someone who is comfortable disregarding their experiences under the guise of fairness and tolerance. 

Ron needs to show that he is a man of action, not just a man of words. He needs to hold himself accountable for the role he's played in hateful rhetorics being given a place to grow and thrive within his community. He needs to acknowledge that by choosing to stay on council he shows a certain disregard for the integrity of his fellow councilors. He needs to realize that his presence creates an unnecessary conflict.

We need Ron to do the right thing. We need him to step down.

By removing himself from the situation, he will demonstrate that he understands there is more he can do to foster healthy relations with Indigenous peope. He will allow his fellow councilors to continue their terms without scandal looming over them. Most importantly, he will allow these important conversations to continue, unmarred by aspersions cast on the parties involved.