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According to ROMA Chair, Christa Lowry, the answer is yes at the municipal level.
Researchers and municipal organizations report a sharp increase in harassment, threats, and online abuse directed at municipal politicians since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lowry notes that there’s a clear line between criticism and abuse, and the problem isn’t isolated to town councils.
She believes potential candidates should be aware of the situation when considering a run for municipal office in this October’s elections. Studies and media reports document numerous individual resignations where mayors or councillors cited harassment, threats, social media abuse, or toxic public behaviour as a major factor.
She reports that one Ontario municipal councillor had to take extreme measures to protect her and her children.
Allowing internet trolls to abuse duly elected public servants away from the council table, or candidates from the nomination office doesn’t serve the best interests of any community, nor democracy.
Story by Brian Turner
