Calgary – Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) calls on the federal government to work with provinces, territories, and local governments, through FCM, to identify and implement measures to protect elected local government officials, their family members, and staff – especially women, members of Black and racialized communities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous people – from harassment, intimidation, and threats, thereby reinforcing a unified front to safeguard democracy.
“I stand in solidarity with our municipal elected officials who have faced harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence. It’s unacceptable that women, Black and racialized individuals, and 2SLGBTQIA+ representatives are disproportionately targeted.” Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke posted on her ‘office of the Mayor’ ‘X’ account. “All elected officials deserve to do their work without fear of harassment. We must work together to promote civility and respect in our politics.” Mayor Locke thanks to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for recognizing the concerns of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus.
FCM also calls on all elected officials of all orders of government to lead by example, demonstrating civility and mutual respect for their political counterparts.