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Noticing an increase in “personal attacks” on elected officials, Quebec’s union of municipalities (UMQ) is launching an initiative to “bring respect back to democracy.”
The attacks — documented on social media as well as in other spheres — are cause for concern at any time, but especially during a municipal election year in the middle of a pandemic, said UMQ president and Ste-Julie Mayor Suzanne Roy.
“Yes, let’s debate, let’s debate the files, the content, but without personal attacks and without intimidation,” she said.
The comments have resulted in the resignation of some municipal mayors, the need for police escorts for others and a fear among prospective candidates who aren’t sure they want to step into such a toxic environment, Roy said.
“We see people who, today, when we are looking for candidates, tell us ‘Oof, with everything that has happened, with everything that is said, we do not want to live that,’ ” she said. “And often, they’re quality candidates who do not want to come to the public square when they could do a lot of good.”
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