Local elected women pledge to address toxic politics
Recently, our colleague Pam Damoff, MP for Oakville North — Burlington, announced she will not be seeking re-election due to threats, misogyny and abuse directed toward her as an elected official.
Her story is not unique. The Halton Elected Representatives (HER) is a group of women convened twice a year by Burlington’s Mayor Marianne Meed Ward to discuss challenges and opportunities for women elected or considering political service.
At our recent meeting, women shared stories of harassment, abuse and threats we have experienced in person, online and in our personal lives.
We pledged to speak out together.
The consequences of this toxic environment are dire: Qualified candidates may not step forward, and women currently holding office may leave. This deprives our communities of diverse perspectives and effective leadership.
Toxic politics affects all levels of government, and all parties. It has diminished our ability to have respectful dialogue and meaningful debate on the issues we face. This harassment and abuse have no place in our democratic institutions.
Therefore, we, the women of HER:
■ Pledge to support each other and call out abuse and harassment when we see it or experience it.
■ Call on all our allies to stand with us to support women in office and call out all forms of abuse and harassment.
■ Call on all elected officials to uphold the highest standards of conduct, focusing on respectful debate of the issues and not personal attacks.
■ Call on the relevant authorities to ensure the protection of individuals who speak out against abuse, and who experience abuse, providing them with the necessary support and resources.
It is time to get serious about creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages all individuals to participate in the political process without fear of abuse or discrimination. Our democracy depends on it.
Signatories to this pledge include: Marianne Meed Ward, mayor of Burlington and HER Halton convener; Karina Gould, MP for Burlington; Pam Damoff, MP for Oakville North — Burlington; Anita Anand, MP for Oakville; Ann Lawlor, mayor of Halton Hills; Cathy Duddeck, town and regional councillor, Town of Oakville; Janet Haslett-Theall, town and regional councillor, Town of Oakville; Sameera Ali, regional councillor, Town of Milton; Jane Fogal, regional councillor, Town of Halton Hills; Nav Nanda, town and regional councillor, Town of Oakville; Chantal Garneau, councillor, Town of Halton Hills; Sarah Marshall, councillor, Town of Halton Hills; Kristina Tesser Derkson, councillor, Town of Milton; Amy Collard, HDSB trustee and chair, Burlington; Brenda Agnew, HCDSB trustee, Burlington; Kelly Amos, HDSB trustee, Oakville; Donna Danielli, HDSB trustee, Milton; Jeanne Gray, HDSB trustee, Halton Hills; Janet O’Hearn Czarnota, HCDSB trustee, Halton Hills; Trish Nicholls Powell, HCDSB trustee, Burlington; Margo Shuttleworth, HDSB trustee, Burlington; and Tanya Rocha, HDSB trustee, Oakville.