Safety in our politics has reached a tipping point. Too many who hold office are now focussed on the safety of our families and staff because of the threats we receive.
Pointing fingers at one party over the other, or the fringe on one side of the spectrum over the other is lazy work and it will hurt democracy in the long run if we collectively don’t act.
Consider the facts, the youngest person ever elected to Ontario’s Legislature, Sam Oosterhoff, was protested at his home for his Christian beliefs. Then Ontario’s first female and LGBTQ+ Premier, Kathleen Wynne was the subject of a demonstration by Black Lives Matter, again at her home. It happened to Christine Elliott, Stephen Lecce and Premier Doug Ford whose family, and neighbours, like all the others feared for their safety. NDP Leader Marit Stiles had her constituency office vandalized, so too did Laurie Scott.