Statement on respect in the workplace and a healthy democracy

As part of our commitment to a respectful workplace, I’d like to address comments made at the Special Council Meeting on the budget. This is the soonest opportunity, as I was not at that meeting due to attending a funding announcement at the hospital.

One of the delegates mused that our staff “knowingly misrepresents the truth”.

Normally I don’t repeat personal attacks and defamatory statements, but it’s critically important to clarify what is in bounds and out of bounds when we are aiming for respectful dialogue and respect in the workplace.

Comments opposing our tax increase, suggesting cuts, offering suggestions around communications or an improved process—these, and more—are not only appropriate, but welcome.

However, attacking the personal integrity of anyone—whether a council member, staff, or another member of the community—is not welcome. Our procedure bylaw, section 44.2, states that “No person … will speak disrespectfully to anyone in Council Chambers.”

And that’s what happened here.

I want to acknowledge Councillor Nisan for also speaking to this on a recent online post. This has exposed him to unwarranted criticism and misinterpretation of what he was calling out, which is specifically the personal attack on staff. Being exposed to such criticism discourages anyone from speaking out and calling us to a higher standard of engagement.

We have guidelines for conduct in our meetings that are aimed at promoting respectful debate and dialogue about the issues we face. This is especially important when there are a different viewpoints and opinions among staff, council, and community. We want everyone to feel heard and safe to speak their views, however unpopular.

This is critical to a healthy democracy. People won’t run if they are exposed to personal attacks and a toxic workplace. People won’t apply to work in municipal government. Residents won’t come forward. We all lose when these voices are silenced.

We need to be vigilant in upholding a respectful workplace and modelling it. We all have a role to play to foster a respectful workplace in service of a health democracy. We need to model respect in our own comments and encourage others to do so. My comments are to that end and my commitment is to do my part, alongside all of you.

Thank you,

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward