Stop harassing women in politics

During the recent CalgaryLougheed byelection candidates forum, Sandra Jansen was harassed by multiple men present at the forum.

She was reportedly physically stalked, as an individual circled her, took photographs of her, and got far closer than any professional photographer would under normal circumstances.

At least one other man confronted her and refused to let her leave the room.

In response, she pulled out her phone and taped the incidents.

Aggressive behaviour targeting women and diverse groups at public events is unacceptable and must be removed entirely from any part of our political process.

Change must start with our leaders and continue with anyone seeking to participate in democracy and citizenship in our province.

Most importantly, it needs to cross party lines.

If what it takes is our party leaders, representatives and candidates standing together before each event and asking the people in the room not to harass the women present, so be it.

This is a call for anyone involved in politics in Alberta to state clearly at any event or forum that the women in that room not be harassed.

And it is a call to our leaders to hold those individuals who do not comply with this basic request for respect accountable.

Lana Cuthbertson, chair, Equal Voice Alberta North