Character Assassination Not Part Of Job: Canadian Politician Melanie Mark Resigns

Canadian politician Melanie Mark announced her resignation recently. Her exit speech is something that has stirred social media platforms because it points to systemic misogyny carried out in the parliament she was serving in.

Mark is the first First Nations (Indigenous Canadian people who are neither Inuit nor Métis) Canadian Woman to serve in the British Columbia Legislature and as a cabinet minister. She served as Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport in John Horgan’s cabinet.

Melanie Mark Resigns

In her impactful speech, Melanie talks about how difficult her life has been, and how she wants to stay away from politics for a while. Melanie speaks candidly about her time in the cabinet, referring to it as “a torture chamber.” According to her, Victoria’s "colonial" barriers made it difficult to get things done. "This place felt like a torture chamber," she stated. "I will not miss the character assassination."

Melanie has endured relentless public scrutiny and is now just done with the never-ending disrespect. She talks about how she has consistently been accused of ruining things and being stupid (mostly by White men).

“I was accused of deleting emails. I was accused of ruining the cruise ship industry even though I am not responsible for the federal mandate of our ports. I was accused of ruining the RBC Museum – the Royal BC Museum – and all that takes its toll.”

"People have called me a bitch," Melanie said. "You can call me anything, but don't ever call me a stupid bitch. I'm educated, I've worked hard for my career my whole life, I have all the credentials, I deserve to be here."

While stepping down from her position, talks about how she has dealt with abuse her whole life and can no longer stay around such toxicity. Moving from one foster to another, Melanie has faced abuse and trauma since childhood. Melanie has just now been diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). One of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children, ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed in female patients. ADHD generally persists into adulthood and is typically first diagnosed in childhood.

Melanie intends to focus on herself and her and her kids from now on. To support and comfort her, Melanie’s family was consistently present at the gallery while she gave her resignation speech. She declared her decision to spend more time with her mother and two daughters, and support her daughter in her athletics.

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