Revealing politics’ ‘casting couch’

Young political staffers most vulnerable to sexual harassment on Parliament Hill, says May

OTTAWA — Young political staffers on Parliament Hill, who are often ambitious and desperate for a foothold in their chosen profession, can be much more vulnerable to the scourge of sexual misconduct than their older, more experienced colleagues and elected counterparts, says Green party Leader Elizabeth May.

Indeed, May — who took part in a recent Canadian Press survey of female MPs about experiences with sexual harassment — is drawing comparisons between the career ladder in political Ottawa and the familiar Hollywood cliché of a “casting couch” mentality.

Thirty-eight of Canada’s 89 female MPs took part in the survey, with more than half of respondents — 58 per cent — reporting they had personally been the target of one or more forms of sexual misconduct while in office, including inappropriate or unwanted remarks, gestures or text messages of a sexual nature.

Political staffers often lack job security, making them far less likely to speak up about their experiences — especially when the problem lies with someone who is in a position of authority, said May.

She likened their environment at times to the “star culture” of Tinseltown.

“There are political equivalents of the casting couch, and if you want to get ahead in certain political parties, you do not want to offend people who are seen to be movers and shakers,” she said.

“It is not a normal workplace in that sense. I don’t think the culture is going to change overnight, but I do think it is importheir tant to have mechanisms for complaints that allow for confidentiality.”

Shifting the culture and fixing the power imbalance on the Hill is going to demand that male members of Parliament speak up when they are made aware of unacceptable behaviour, she added.

“If you hear something in your caucus meetings you think is just bad form, tell your male colleagues,” said May, who expressed some optimism for change now that the “floodgate” has been opened in politics, sport and the entertainment industry.