THE NDP on Wednesday noted that BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson referred to individuals fleeing domestic and sexual violence as “people who are in a tough marriage.”

In Tuesday’s Throne Speech, the BC NDP government pledged to provide five days of paid leave to people leaving domestic and sexual violence.

Asked about the speech, Wilkinson said on Wednesday: “Well it’s a huge disappointment because there is absolutely nothing in it… they talked about rural policing, and they talked about five days pay for people who are in a tough marriage and that’s it.” (Audio)

Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity Mitzi Dean says Wilkinson’s comments show that he doesn’t understand the realities of the people facing this violence.

“Andrew Wilkinson should know that people who live the reality of domestic and sexual violence are not just experiencing a tough marriage,” said Dean. “His out of touch comments diminish the devastating violence that too many people in our province face every day.”

Dean is calling on Wilkinson to apologize and retract his statement.

“Hearing Andrew Wilkinson dismiss this violence is disturbing,” said Dean. “He should apologize immediately to the people who have experienced domestic and sexual violence.”

The NDP went on to point out facts about domestic and sexual violence: