A female Muslim student wants McGill to offer women-only hours at the university’s fitness centre. She says she would feel more comfortable working out when men are not around.

Well, that’s her problem. It’s not McGill’s problem. McGill should not make up special rules for special interests. If she wants a women’s only gym, then let her find one. If she doesn’t like it, then it’s really too bad.

I find it astounding that a university, which promotes equality, would even consider something like this. Women have fought tooth and nail for gender equality, but Soumia Allalou insists it’s her right. Like I said, it’s her problem, and it shouldn’t be anyone else’s.

Political hypocrisy

Perception is everything in politics and so is timing. And the optics of the government considering big pay raises to MNAs are terrible.

On one hand, Quebec City is preaching from the gospel of austerity. And on the other, it is considering huge pay increases for MNAs.

This is coming on the heels of a former education minister walking away with a parting gift of $150,000 of your tax dollars. Now the government will tell you, the higher salaries will be offset by axing some benefits, increasing pension contributions, and getting rid of the departure bonus. But that’s not the point. And in these matters, the detail gets lost. It’s only the perception that remains, that the government is asking everyone else to make sacrifices when they are feathering their own bed.

On top of all this, the Premier and half a dozen ministers in tow decided spring break was a great time to visit France on an economic mission, with questionable results.

I’m sure they didn’t eat at McDonald’s while quaffing down some fine Bordeaux.

This Liberal government has a big PR problem. And they need to get back on track and back on message quickly before it’s much too late.

Regulating sex

I am not sure how they are going to enforce this one. But it shows Quebec’s will to regulate just about everything in our lives.

Quebec is cutting back on its in vitro fertilization program. It simply costs too much money.

It’s a program, by the way, that was approved by the previous Liberal government under pressure from PKP’s girlfriend, Julie Snyder. My, times have changed!

So under the new rules, our health minister is asking couples who are having difficulty conceiving to try the old-fashioned way for up to three years, depending on their age. Younger women will be given a longer time to let nature take its course. After that, they will be allowed to apply for the program. The women will be asked to, get this, “Sign a solemn declaration” that they gave it the old college try.

Somehow this leaves me feeling a little icky. Yes, minister we solemnly vow that we were as determined as we could be.

At least Barrette is not hiring bedroom inspectors. At least not yet.