Arbour over eggs

October 17, 2008

Louise Arbour talked about issues facing women and girls in Canada and around the world. | photo: Jude MacDonald

who: the Honourable Madam Justice Louise Arbour
what: interviewed by CBC Newsworld host Suhana Meharchand
where: Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund Persons Day Breakfast, Toronto
when: October 16, 2008

Every year, the Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund hosts events to celebrate Person’s Day. Yesterday in Toronto, the Honourable Madam Justice Louise Arbour had a conversation with journalist Suhana Meharchand after LEAF’s breakfast.

One major insight she gained while working at the United Nations, and as a prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunals:

I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but if I was, there is no other form of discrimination that is as universal and universally enforced as gender discrimination. None.

Gender equality is still far over the horizon, and the resistance is absolutely stunning.

Near the end of the event, Suhana Meharchand mentioned that there might be a job opening in the Liberal Party of Canada, and wondered if Louise Arbour was thinking about applying.

Yeah, you wonder, uh?

Well, when I finish unpacking, I will let you know. This is the very first time in my life where I haven’t actually jumped from one job to another. This is my gap year – long overdue.

I’m not making any long-term plans, but just to make it absolutely clear, national political life doesn’t carry a great deal of attraction for me.

According to LEAF, Louise Arbour has “been called the most influential judge on the planet.” Until recently, she was the United Nations high commissioner for human rights. She is currently between jobs.