Report offers advice for elected officials to curb growing number of threats

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities has released a plan to help deal with growing threats and harassment of elected officials. Jeff Keele explains.

A Halloween display was not a treat for local leaders in the Rural Municipality of Tache last month. It depicted what appeared to be figures of them hanging in a yard.

Over the last year and a half, welcome signs were damaged in the RM of Alexander, and a municipal staff member’s vehicle was spray-painted with a red target.

Then last month, a grader was struck by a bullet from a high-powered rifle.

RM of Alexander Mayor Jack Brisco said these types of threats and intimidation have people on edge. In some cases, he said they won’t drive alone.

“Well, it’s kind of sad that we have to deal with it to begin with,” said Brisco.

He said incidents of intimidation against elected officials and staff have been rising since the pandemic.

“A lot of people have more time, they’ve learned how to use their computers, you know, get onto social media,” said Brisco.

Kathy Valentino, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), said she has also been the victim of harassment online.

“Pretty derogatory about females, female body parts, and a little bit about our family,” said Valentino.

In order to combat a growing number of threats against elected officials and staff, the AMM teamed up with Strong Cities Network to develop a report.

It has 130 recommendations, including:

• Scrub personal information from social media
• Keep records of harassment and track repeat offenders
• Engage people with facts
• Greet people at the door of what could be a contentious meeting
• Move meetings online for safety if necessary
• Offer de-escalating training for staff

The report said people are choosing not to run for office.

“We have to show to people, we identify this problem, and we’re working together to support each other,” said Valentino.

She said the AMM is seeing more by-elections in the province.

“Once they’re in it, they’re saying, ‘Hey I’m out of here,’ and good people are stepping away from it,’” said Valentino.

Brisco is optimistic these strategies can change that.

“A lot of this is common sense, but a lot of this will help us to deal with the public in a better way,” said Brisco.

You can read the full report online.