Gender Equality Week is a time to recognize progress toward gender equality and reaffirm our commitment to closing persistent gaps. With just over a week before voters head to the polls, it is a good time to take stock of the presence of women in municipalities across Ontario.

When it comes to gender representation in local politics, the numbers show a small upward trend, although there is still a considerable gap to close. According to the Association of Municipalities in Ontario, women make up just 32 per cent of local candidates in the upcoming election, up from 31 per cent in 2022 and 27 per cent in 2018. The increase is slight, but modestly encouraging.

But getting women — particularly racialized women — onto the ballot is only half the battle. We also need to ensure that once elected, they can serve the public without being subjected to threats, intimidation and harassment.

This past June, Ontario took a step toward that goal by passing Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act. The legislation strengthens the framework governing codes of conduct for municipalities and local boards and gives integrity commissioners greater tools to address serious misconduct by elected officials.

That legislation was needed. Elected officials who harass others should face........

© National Observer