(Ottawa) One week before the MPs return to Ottawa, the issue of security is still a priority for some elected officials, while we are witnessing an increase in manifestations of political violence.
In October 2020, the House of Commons Board of Internal Economy approved funding for several initiatives to protect Members of Parliament, such as assessing the security of their personal residence or providing alert buttons.
While some MPs say the measures have helped, not all feel so reassured.
These initiatives came after Parliament’s security services stepped up their presence on the hill following reports of harassment against politicians.
New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh was chased down an Ottawa street by a man who wanted to carry out a “citizen arrest”. The same man also pursued with insistence the parliamentary correspondent of Radio-Canada Daniel Thibault, whom he had mistaken for the Bloc member Mario Beaulieu. Both incidents were filmed by accomplices.
Jenny Kwan, NDP MP for Vancouver East, said she opted for an expert home security assessment and felt safer knowing the measurements were up to not only for herself, but also for her family.
“For me, this is especially important because on previous occasions people have come to my house and threatened my family, including my children,” said Mr.me Kwan.
Michelle Rempel Garner, Conservative MP for Calgary Nose Hill, argues that she isn’t even comfortable spelling out the specific security measures she has taken.
Mme Rempel Garner was the target of harassment during the last federal election campaign, including being threatened with death and attacked while sitting in a restaurant.
Maintain accessibility to elected officials
Rachel Bendayan, a Liberal MP for Outremont, whose campaign signs were vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti during the campaign, said she agrees that harassment needs to be addressed.
But she “is also wary of measures that would restrict voters’ access to their deputies,” said Mme Bendayan in a written statement.
“Confidence in our democracy depends on the fact that elected officials remain accessible and available to the people they represent,” she said.
Heather Bradley, communications director for the Speaker’s Office of the House of Commons, said in a written statement that in recognition of her responsibility to provide a safe working environment for MPs, steps have been taken to address security needs deputies outside the parliamentary precinct.
Mme Bradley did not say how many MPs took advantage of the new measures, but said specific information about the programs is not released publicly for security reasons.
Give the example
Mme Rempel Garner said he believed action needed to be taken to address harassment not only off Parliament Hill but also among MPs.
“I think it’s culturally acceptable to turn a blind eye if one person harasses another from another political camp. We have MPs doing it, she said. It is incumbent on all who hold a leadership position in this country, whether in politics, industry or civil society, to help correct these shortcomings. ”
Since these investments in the security of MPs were made, the threat of political violence has increased. The federal election campaign saw vandalism against candidates and vitriolic protests, including an incident in which protesters threw gravel at Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.
The recent murder of British MP David Amess, who was meeting with voters at the time, has fueled discussions about whether politicians are properly protected in their role.
Mme Rempel Garner said one way to solve this problem could be for elected officials to lead by example.
“There has to be some self-policing among people, among the general public and politicians included,” she argued. Harassment against someone who is on the opposing team should not be acceptable. If you clearly see harassment, report it. ”
NDP whip Rachel Blaney said she thinks it is important for all MPs to think about political culture.
“We’ve certainly seen anger and frustration with politicians across Canada, but also quite frankly around the world and we’ve seen scary things happen,” Mr.me Blaney.
Mme Kwan pointed out that there was absolutely an added stressor in having to think about threats, not just to herself, but to her staff and family.
“This is something that no one should have to deal with, yet it is our reality,” she said.
Mme Rempel Garner said the search for solutions must focus on the causes rather than the symptoms of the worsening aggression and harassment.
“There has to be a coordinated look at it rather than a scattered approach with dressing solutions, and it has to happen quickly,” she said.
Mme Blaney added that more work needs to be done inside and outside of Canada regarding how women politicians are viewed and treated.
“I know sometimes these personal attacks seem to be a bit more focused on some of the women in politics. We need to continue to tackle this and find ways to tackle any form of sexism that we see. ”
This dispatch was written with financial assistance from the Facebook Stock Exchanges and The Canadian Press for News.