Manitoba Tory backbencher holds another fundraiser at men-only squash club

The squash club’s board of directors has said that while there are some coed tournaments and special events that include women, the club lacks the space required to be fully coed.

The chief executive officer of the Progressive Conservative party, Keith Stewart, says the rental follows the party’s rules.

“The P.C. Party of Manitoba gives constituency associations the freedom to rent venues based on the suitability of the facility for the event,” Stewart said in a written statement.

“Once the facility is rented, our rules apply. The St. James event is of course open to women and we would not support any party function that was not open to all.”

Johnston’s fundraiser at the same venue last year stirred up controversy.

Susan Thompson, Winnipeg’s mayor from 1992 to 1998, said last year she remembered not being able to join during her tenure and said the decision to not allow women members is wrong.

The club has promoted itself as an athletic facility that also helps people make business connections.

The club sits in the Fort Rouge constituency south of Winnipeg’s downtown, not in Johnston’s St. James constituency, which is further west.

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Manitoba Tory backbencher holds another fundraiser at men-only squash club

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