It’s time to restore civility and respect to the public square.
Harassment and abuse are undermining our democracy. Together, we can rebuild a culture where everyone—candidates, elected officials, and the public—can participate in democracy free from fear or intimidation.
Our democracy depends on it.
Elect Respect is a pledge to foster respect, inclusivity, and safety in public life.
Today, democracy is under pressure. Public distrust is rising, and personal attacks, harassment, and inappropriate conduct in political spaces are becoming more common. Together, we can elect to create meaningful change.
Abuse and harassment is experienced at every level of elected leadership.
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"There've been many instances where I felt unsafe, to the point where actually I had to move."
Sameera Ali
Milton Regional Councillor for Ward 4 -
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"If I leave politics, it'll be on my terms. Not because someone scared me out of this profession."
Marianne Meed Ward
Mayor of Burlington -
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"Now, it's very, very personal... and it's a lot worse for female politicians."
Zee Hamid
MPP for Milton, Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform -
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"It's far more prevalent amongst women and those who are racialized"
Pam Damoff
Former MP for Oakville North—Burlington
“Qualified candidates may not step forward, and women currently holding office may leave. This deprives our communities of diverse perspectives and effective leadership.”
— Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
The impacts of toxic discourse are felt throughout Canadian society.
The number of female MPs decreased in the last federal election
Municipal councils are not representative of their diverse populations
Rising toxicity against elected leaders discourages participation
How It Started
Elect Respect started as a conversation between a small group of women in Halton, founded by Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward called the Halton Elected Representatives (HER).
They came together to share their experiences with harassment and abuse in public life and to stand up for a better way forward.
From that conversation came Elect Respect—a commitment to uphold the core values of democratic service, including the right to work free from threats, abuse, or intimidation.
What began with a few voices has grown into a movement. Elect Respect now includes elected officials and candidates of all backgrounds who are speaking out against toxic behaviour and calling for a renewed commitment to respectful public service.
Take the Elect Respect Pledge.
Join the growing movement of leaders and citizens who are committed to respectful discourse.
As an ally to candidates and elected officials, and an advocate for democracy, I pledge to:
Treat elected officials and each other with respect in all spaces—public, private, and online.
Reject harassment, abuse, and personal attacks, and speak out when I witness them.
Focus debate and political discussions on ideas and policies, not personal attacks.
Help build a supportive culture where people of all backgrounds feel safe to run for and hold office, and engage in public life.
Call on relevant authorities for the protection of elected officials who face abuse or threats.
Model integrity and respect in public life, holding myself to the highest standards of conduct, and vote for leaders who model integrity and respect in public life, holding them to the highest standard of conduct.
Take Action Locally
Help foster respectful political spaces in your community. Bring the Elect Respect Resolution to your local council and be a part of the change.