Halton Elected Representatives H.E.R. Release Statement on Creating Safe & Supportive Environment for Women Elected Officials

*Please see below a statement and pledge issued by Halton Elected Representatives (H.E.R.) and signed by 22 signatories. The statement and pledge also appeared in The Hamilton Spectator online on May 15, 2024 and in print on May 16, 2024.Halton Elected Representatives (H.E.R.) STATEMENTRecently, our colleague Pam Damoff, MP for Oakville North—Burlington, announced she will not be seeking re-election due to threats, misogyny and abuse directed towards her as an elected official.Her story is not unique. The Halton Elected Representatives (H.E.R.) is a group of women convened twice per year by Mayor 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.Halton Elected Representatives (H.E.R.) PLEDGETherefore, we, the women of H.E.R. (Halton Elected Representatives):

1. Pledge to support each other and call out abuse and harassment when we see it or experience it.
2. Call on all our allies to stand with us to support women in office and call out all forms of abuse and harassment.
3. Call on all elected officials to uphold the highest standards of conduct, focusing on respectful debate of the issues and not personal attacks.
4. 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.Signed,Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, City of Burlington and Convenor of H.E.R. HaltonHon. Anita Anand, Member of Parliament for Oakville, President of the Treasury BoardHon. Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, Leader of the Government in the House of CommonsPam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign AffairsMayor Ann Lawlor, Town of Halton HillsTown and Regional Councillor Cathy Duddeck, Town of OakvilleTown and Regional Councillor Janet Haslett-Theall, Town of OakvilleRegional Councillor Sameera Ali, Town of MiltonRegional Councillor Jane Fogal, Town of Halton HillsTown and Regional Councillor Nav Nanda, Town of OakvilleTown Councillor Chantal Garneau, Town of Halton HillsTown Councillor Sarah Marshall, Town of MiltonTown Councillor Kristina Tesser Derksen, Town of MiltonHalton District School Board (HDSB) Chair and Burlington Trustee Amy CollardHalton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) Burlington Trustee Brenda AgnewHDSB Oakville Trustee Kelly AmosHDSB Milton Trustee Donna DanielliHDSB Halton Hills Trustee Jeanne GrayHCDSB Halton Hills Trustee Janet O'Hearn CzarnotaHCDSB Burlington Trustee Trish Nicholls-PowellHDSB Burlington Trustee Margo ShuttleworthHDSB Oakville Trustee Tanya Rocha