Elect Respect

The EOWC Endorses the Elect Respect Campaign

The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) is proud to stand alongside the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) in endorsing the Elect Respect campaign — a shared commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive democratic environment for all candidates, elected officials, and public servants.

Democracy flourishes when individuals are empowered to serve their communities without fear of threats, harassment, or intimidation. Protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of those who step forward to lead is not just a responsibility. It is essential to the strength and integrity of our democratic institutions.

The Elect Respect pledge represents a meaningful response to the growing challenges facing elected officials today. Rooted in the principles of dignity, equity, and civic responsibility, the campaign acknowledges the rise in harassment, abuse, and toxic discourse, especially targeting women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Amplified by social media and online platforms, this climate of hostility is discouraging many from seeking or continuing in public office, ultimately weakening democratic representation and public trust.

In response to these troubling trends, H.E.R. Halton (Halton Elected Representatives), a coalition of women in leadership, launched the Elect Respect campaign to advocate for safer, more inclusive spaces in politics and to promote the highest standards of conduct among elected officials.

By taking the pledge, the EOWC and WOWC reaffirm their dedication to:

  • Championing civility in public discourse and political debate
  • Condemning harassment, abuse, and personal attacks in all forms
  • Creating inclusive environments that encourage participation from underrepresented groups
  • Advocating for stronger protections for elected officials
  • Leading by example through respectful, ethical leadership

The EOWC and WOWC invite all elected officials, organizations, and community members to join this important movement by signing the pledge at www.electrespect.ca.

Together, we can build a more respectful, inclusive, and vibrant democracy, one that truly reflects the voices and values of all Ontarians.

The EOWC-WOWC Joint Pledge for Elect Respect:

Elect Respect LOGO

visit the Elect Respect website

“WHEREAS a healthy democracy relies on the full, safe participation of all individuals, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their communities;

AND WHEREAS municipally elected officials across Ontario are increasingly facing hostile and unsafe work environments, including threats and harassment;

AND WHEREAS social media platforms have amplified disrespectful discourse, toxic interactions, and negative commentary, discouraging individuals—especially women and candidates from diverse backgrounds—from seeking public office;

AND WHEREAS democracy functions best when it is respectful and inclusive, and when the voices of individuals across a range of genders, identities, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and perspectives are represented at municipal council tables;

AND WHEREAS the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s Healthy Democracy Project has identified troubling trends, including declining voter turnout and a reduced number of candidates running in local elections;

AND WHEREAS in 2024, female elected representatives from across Halton created H.E.R. (Halton Elected Representatives), a group committed to speaking out against harassment and toxicity in politics and advocating for the highest standards of conduct among elected officials;

AND WHEREAS H.E.R. Halton has launched the Elect Respect campaign to promote healthy democratic engagement and advocate for safe, inclusive, and respectful work environments that support the participation of all individuals in the political process;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the EOWC and the WOWC express their joint support for the Elect Respect pledge and commit to:

  • Treating others with respect in all settings—public, private, and online;
  • Rejecting and speaking out against harassment, abuse, and personal attacks;
  • Focusing political debate on ideas and policies, not on individuals;
  • Fostering a supportive environment where people from all backgrounds feel safe and encouraged to run for and hold public office;
  • Urging relevant authorities to protect elected officials from threats and abuse;
  • Leading by example with integrity and respect, and holding one another to the highest standards of conduct;

THAT that the WOWC and EOWC call upon all elected officials, organizations, and community members to support the Elect Respect campaign and sign the pledge at www.electrespect.ca;

AND THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to Premier Doug Ford, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Ontario Big City Mayors, and the EOWC and WOWC member municipalities.”

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