Premier to seek alternate town hall venue after club's men-only board draws backlash

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynneis looking for anew town hall venue in Windsor after a men-only board policy at the initial proposed location drew backlash online.

The Ontario Town Hall meeting was originally to be held at the Caboto Clubknown to have a men-only board member policy for many years.

• University students boycott Caboto Club over men-only policy

The choice was controversial for some, including Sally Blyth,whoposted to Facebook explaining why shedecided not to attend the premier's town hall.

"As a woman involved in many community issues here in Windsor I will not be going to this talk," wroteBlyth. "Unlike all other Italian clubs in the citythe Caboto Club does not allow women to become board members."

In a statement sent to CBC News, a spokesperson for the premier said once the club's policy came to their attention staff began looking for an alternate location.

"Women make up an integral part of our economy and society and, as you know, Premier Wynne is committed to supporting a fair, competitive and prosperous Ontario for everyone," read the statement. "That commitment extends to working with partners who reflect these values of equality and inclusiveness, therefore a change in venue was sought."

Women 'never allowed' asboard members

Blyth, who describes herself as a friend of the Women's Studies program at the University of Windsor, said she wanted to hold an event at the Caboto Club but was told "in no uncertain terms that women would never be allowed to be board members."

"Needless to say we moved our event. They did not care," she said.

The premier's proposedtown hall event also drew the ire of Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party. MPP Lisa MacLeodcalled for the premier to cancel the event.

"What kind of message does this send to little girls that the Premier of Ontario is speaking at clubwhere women are viewed as second-rate?" she asked in a statement.

Members must be male and Italian

Windsor's Giovanni Caboto Club was founded in 1924. It is Southwestern Ontario's largest and oldest Italian club.

In 2014, the club's general manager at that time confirmed to CBC News its constitution states members must be male and of Italian descent.

CBC News reached out to the Caboto Club for comment but had not received a reply at publication time.

The town hall remains scheduled for Feb. 15 at7:00 p.m., at a new location still to be determined.