Over the past few weeks, there has been much discussion around the new security measures at Ottawa city hall. Read MoreSadly, threats and even attacks against politicians of all stripes are on the rise. As well, staff and visitors also deserve protection.
Sadly, threats and even attacks against politicians of all stripes are on the rise. As well, staff and visitors also deserve protection.
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Over the past few weeks, there has been much discussion around the new security measures at Ottawa city hall.
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While decisions regarding security at Ottawa facilities, including city hall, rest with the Corporate Security branch of city government, and are not political decisions made by City Council, this decision has clear political origins.
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Like my council colleagues, I strongly believe that any security measures in public institutions must be carefully considered, to protect those who work and access them, while also ensuring that our democratic institutions remain open and accessible. Employers are legally responsible for providing a safe work environment for their employees; when speaking of city hall itself, this requirement must be carefully balanced with ensuring that members of the public are able to engage with their elected representatives.
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While it is sad that we have come this point, we are here, nonetheless. Anyone who reads an online comment section of a political news article or follows a politician (of any stripe) on social media, knows that things have only become more toxic and the vitriol directed at politicians has increasingly moved into real-world actions.
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As elected officials, we often avoid focusing on that side of the job. No one wants to feed the beast. However, in the interest of explaining why Ottawa’s Corporate Security has taken this step, I want to share some of my own experiences, because I know that they are not unique.
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Unprecedented threats and violence
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While we strive to focus on the positives of this job, and the positives absolutely eclipse the negatives, all members of council, and I can safely say all MPs and MPPs, are increasingly experiencing unprecedented threats and real-world violence.
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I have received death threats, threats of sexual violence, and threats against my family. I have also faced vandalism and attacks against my own home. It is not just my family that is often caught up in this: my office staff have also faced targeted threats requiring police intervention. It is now commonplace for Corporate Services to go so far as to undertake security audits at our offices, as well as our homes.
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Last year, Ottawa Police laid charges against someone making repeated and specific threats against a councillor. In the last term of council, several councillors cited the increase in physical threats and security concerns against themselves and their families as the main reason they were not seeking re-election. One councillor even had to move out of their home for a period due to threats against their family.
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As shocking as this may be, it is now an accepted reality for elected officials. Several years ago, when these same security measures were added only at the entrance of the council chamber, within the first month security confiscated six knives and multiple other prohibited items.
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