From: <your name>
Sent: <date>
To: legal@ohrc.on.ca <legal@ohrc.on.ca>
Subject: re: Lack of appropriate accountability structure for egregious acts of harassment and violence by municipally elected officials - Workplace human right abuse

Although this particular issue does not fall neatly into one of the four strategic focus areas for the OHRC, it is arguably equally as critical, as our engagement with the democratic system is fundamental to enacting broader, systemic change. This current reality adversely affects women (including trans-women, non-binary and gender fluid people). Addressing this gap however, benefits all persons. Currently, the only legislation to address this glaring gap (Bill 5- The Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act) was voted down May 31st, 2023. This Bill, if passed, would have provided for a foundational accountability structure to address violence and harassment from municipally elected officials. It would have ensured elected representatives are held to violence and harassment workplace policies (of the respective municipality) and that if egregious acts were committed, there was an avenue for the Integrity Commissioner to apply to the Courts to vacate the position.  

 
The province entered recent municipal elections with sitting councillors running for office who have been charged with assault, who have had claims made against them to the Integrity Commissioner (and not investigated, due to council vote), and potentially other councillors who may have harassed colleagues, whom are seeking re-election as victims have not come forward knowing their removal was never possible (unless deemed criminal and reported to police). The sitting government has the power (once it returns to fall session) to take the accountability elements of Bill 5 and enact into law in a very short time frame if there is motivation.There has been dialogue indicating the government is looking at broader based legislation. Although this effort is applauded, there has been no recent mention on the timing of addressing this gap, and the current situation is simply not acceptable when it comes to basic human rights in the workplace and broader community safety.  

I am asking the Ontario Human Rights Commission to launch an inquiry into this issue immediately. So many people do not want to talk about it, but harassment by elected officials is happening and the outcomes could not be more serious. Beyond immediate personal trauma and a negative change in life trajectory as a result of this trauma for victims, this gap undermines the credibility of the democratic process, deters participation of underrepresented groups in local politics, and stifles and/or shuts down broader political engagement noted as necessary for healthy communities.  

 
I have material to support the public's interest and investment in the issue and I would happy to send your way. I have highlighted the most relevant part of your mission (for my own reference) below:  

Our mission is to promote and enforce human rights, to engage in relationships that embody the principles of dignity and respect, and to create a culture of human rights compliance and accountability. We act as a driver for social change based on principles of substantive equality. We accomplish our mission by exposing, challenging and ending entrenched and widespread structures and systems of discrimination through education, policy development, public inquiries and litigation. 

I look forward to hearing from you.  

Sincerely,  

<your name> 

<your contact>