Elect Respect: Coalition of Elected Officials Launches Action to Combat Toxic Politics

HALTON REGION (June 18, 2025) – A group of elected officials from across governments has launched an initiative to combat toxic political culture, restore civility, and uphold democracy at all levels of government.

The group, initially comprised of female elected officials and dubbed Halton Elected Representatives (HER), first came together around shared experiences with abuse and harassment as women in politics. Recognizing that elected officials across the entire province, from diverse backgrounds, can face personal attacks and threats, the group rebranded as Elect Respect.

“Such behaviour is becoming more commonplace and is a real threat to democracy in Canada,” said Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, founder of HER . “It impacts people of all different genders and cultural identities across all orders of government – from school trustees and municipal councillors to federal and provincial parliamentarians and ministers.”

The group is inviting elected officials and citizens across Ontario to “Elect Respect” by signing an online pledge to foster respectful, safe, and inclusive participation in government. This includes speaking up if they see poor behaviour and being respectful to opponents during debates and discussions. The pledge also asks for support from relevant authorities when harassment becomes threatening.

Today, Halton Regional Council endorsed a resolution brought forward by Mayor Meed Ward and Regional Councillor Sameera Ali, which outlines Halton Region’s support for the Elect Respect campaign. In the coming months, Elect Respect hopes to see elected officials across Ontario table similar resolutions.

“Respectful, safe and inclusive participation in government is essential to a healthy democracy,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “The Elect Respect campaign is an important initiative, and elected officials across all levels of government in Halton are showing their support. Together, we can create an environment where elected officials can serve their community without fear of threats, abuse or intimidation.”

“The pledge demonstrates a personal commitment to modelling the highest standard of conduct,” said Mayor Meed Ward. “Too often, we only hear the loud, angry voices. The pledge provides a platform to the many more of us who value respect. It’s a critical conversation we must have now, because the current climate of hostility is undermining Canadian democracy.”

Officials and citizens can learn more about Elect Respect and view and sign the pledge online at www.electrespect.ca.

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Members of media, please contact:

Roman Drobot
Media and Digital Communications Specialist
Office of Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
Roman.Drobot@burlington.ca
905-335-7600 ext. 7478

For general information, please contact:

Esther Gibbs
Policy & Community Support Specialist
Office of Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
Esther.Gibbs@burlington.ca
905-335-7600 ext. 7478

The Elect Respect Pledge reads as follows:

As an ally to candidates and elected officials, and an advocate for democracy, I pledge to:

• Treat elected officials and each other with respect in all spaces—public, private, and online.

• Reject harassment, abuse, and personal attacks, and speak out when I witness them.

• Focus debate and political discussions on ideas and policies, not personal attacks.

• Help build a supportive culture where people from all backgrounds feel safe running for and holding office, and engaging in public life.

• Call on relevant authorities for the protection of elected officials who face abuse or threats.

• Model integrity and respect in public life, holding myself to the highest standards of conduct, and vote for leaders who model integrity and respect in public life, holding them to the highest standard of conduct.

About Elect Respect

Elect Respect started as a conversation between a small group of women in Halton, founded by Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, called the Halton Elected Representatives (HER).

They came together to share their experiences with harassment and abuse in public life and to stand up for a better way forward.

From that conversation came Elect Respect—a commitment to uphold the core values of democratic service, including the right to work free from threats, abuse, or intimidation.

What began with a few voices has grown into a movement.

Elect Respect now includes elected officials and candidates of all backgrounds who are speaking out against toxic behaviour and calling for a renewed commitment to respectful public service.

Campaign hashtag: #electrespect