Joel Harden MPP / Député, Ottawa Centre

All politicians at every level have a duty to ensure that the people we work with are safe and we set an example for other workplaces.

In our city and beyond, we have seen examples of elected officials create unsafe workplaces for the people that they work with, and important questions have been raised on what the repercussions are for these elected officials are, and should be. 

That is why in December, MPP Joel Harden tabled a motion in the Ontario legislature calling for legislation giving municipal councils the ability to institute measures to remove members of council who have been found guilty of serious acts of misconduct, including sexual misconduct. 

Everyone has a right to feel safe at work, and anyone who abuses their power - especially elected representatives, must be held accountable. We also cannot ignore the fact that sexual harassment and violence in workplaces overwhelmingly affects women, and further discourages the involvement of women in politics. 

Join us on International Women's Day, Monday, March 8th from 4 PM - 5:30 PM for a community roundtable discussion with local leaders and experts on the issue of safe workplaces for political staff. Sign up using the registration link below and you will be sent a Zoom link prior to the meeting.