Elected officials promoting the need for respect

A campaign to encourage respect for elected officials is seeking more people to support the cause.

A small group of women in southern Ontario started Elect Respect.

Founder Marianne Meed Ward says elected officials should feel respected and safe, even if the public does not agree with their decisions.

“This is what the movement is about, to say that when we stand together and say enough, and it’s also a part of the pledge, calling out the behaviour when we see it, not being a bystander,” says Meed Ward.

A number of municipal councils have signed the pledge, including Kenora and Fort Frances.

Meed Ward says other organizations have also taken up the cause.

“To chambers of commerce, BIAs, boards across this country saying, we too want to be part of a movement for respectful democracy because we know that if people don’t feel safe at work, and if they don’t feel safe serving in public office, they won’t run or they’ll leave.”

The campaign’s proponents also support legislation that aims to address disrespectful behaviour at the municipal level.

It proposes to give Integrity Commissioners stronger powers and the creation of a provincial body to oversee the most egregious cases.

Halton Hills Mayor Ann Lawlor says the bill would help create a consistent standard level of behaviour for councils to follow.

“The training Bill 9 will require is going to be good, appropriate behaviour and conversation. It’s a practical step,” says Lawlor.

“Going forward, I want to see a province-wide code of conduct that clearly promotes the basics of civil discourse, honesty, respect, active living, reason and evidence, and a real willingness to compromise.”

The proposed legislation is awaiting final approval at Queen’s Park.