this would never happen to the guides

Much attention has been directed towards the problem of boys under-performing in school and the life-long negative impacts this is having. The Globe and Mail considered the issue serious enough to devote a week-long series of reports, interviews and on-line discussion to it, last month

One often cited reason for boys' poor performance is an educational system that is geared to how girls learn; something that has been proven to be different from how boys learn. The absence of male teachers in the school system, combined to a dearth of male role models in the home (single parent families, usually mothers), has also been cited as a probable cause. The fact is boys need exposure to positive male role models if they are to see their own potential for success. What can be expected of them if men are presented to them as mainly irrelevant?

It was astounding, then, to read that Scouts Canada has appointed a woman as its new leader. According to an announcement in the Report on Business, Janet Yale has been appointed Executive Commissioner and CEO. Aside from modest work experience with Telus' community programs, Ms Vale appears to have no previous connection with Scouts Canada or the Scouting movement. Yet, her mandate is "to build on the exciting renewal process that has seen a resurgence of interest in Scouts Canada", according to the media release.

Is is possible that there were no qualified male applicants for the job, applicants who might serve as role models for the boys in the organization? I know Scouts has girls in its junior ranks but are the majority boys in the organization now of little interest? Is it another case of women knowing what's best for boys and male role models being cast aside? Can you imagine Guides Canada appointing a man as its chief?