HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-26-25 - No. 16 di DFd _ _►CANAD4
NIAGARA FAO
The City of Niagara Falls, Ontario
Resolution
August 26, 2025
No. 16 — Motion to Support Elect Respect Pledge — Region of Niagara Resolution
Moved by: Councillor Lori Lococo
Seconded by: Councillor Mike Strange
Please be advised that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Niagara Falls, at its meeting
held on August 26, 2025, considered the aforementioned topic and passed the following
resolution in support:
WHEREAS democracy is healthy when everyone is able to participate fully and safely and
contribute to the well-being of their community;
WHEREAS we are witnessing the dissolution of democratic discourse and respectful debate
across all levels of government and in neighbouring jurisdictions;
WHEREAS Ontario's municipally elected officials are dealing with increasingly hostile, unsafe
work environments facing threats and harassment;
WHEREAS social medial platforms have exacerbated disrespectful dialogue,negative
commentary, and toxic engagement which disincentivizes individuals, especially women and
candidates from diverse backgrounds from running for office;
WHEREAS better decisions are made when democracy is respectful and constructive and the
voices of diverse genders, identities, ethnicities, races, sexual orientation, ages and abilities are
heard and represented around municipal council tables;
WHEREAS the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's Healthy Democracy Project has
identified concerning trends with fewer people voting in local elections and running for municipal
office;
WHEREAS in 2024, female elected representatives from across Halton formed a group called
H.E.R. (Halton Elected Representatives) which pledged to speak out against harassment and
negativity in politics and call on elected officials to uphold the highest standards of conduct;
WHEREAS H.E.R. has launched a campaign called "Elect Respect" to promote the importance
of a healthy democracy and safe, inclusive, respectful work environments for all elected officials
that encourages individuals to participate in the political process; and
WHEREAS on June 5, 2025, the Canadian Association of Feminist Parliamentarians launched
a non-partisan 'Parliamentary Civility Pledge" to encourage all parliamentarians to commit to
end workplace harassment and increase civility on Parliament Hill, modelled after the pledge
developed in Halton by representatives of H.E.R.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
1. That the City of Niagara Falls Council SUPPORTS the 'Elect Respect" pledge and
commits to:
• Treat others with respect in all spaces; public, private, and online;
• Reject and call out harassment, abuse and personal attacks;
• Focus debate on ideas and policies, not personal attacks;
• Help build a supportive culture where people of all backgrounds feel safe to run for
and hold office;
• Call on relevant authorities to ensure the protection of elected officials who face
abuse or threats; and
• Model integrity and respect by holding one another to the highest standards of
conduct;
2. That the City of Niagara Falls' Council CALLS ON elected officials, organizations,and
community members to support the 'Elect Respect' campaign and sign the online pledge
at www.electrespect.ca;
3. That a copy of this resolution BE SENT to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario,
Ontario's Big City Mayors, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Niagara's MPs and
MPPs, the Niagara Region, Niagara Regional Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and
the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; and
4. That this resolution BE SENT to all of Niagara's local area municipalities with a request
that their Councils pass a similar motion.
AND The Seal of the Corporation to hereto affixed. Carried Unanimously
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WILLIAM G.MATSON JAMES M.DIODATI
CITY CLERK